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BHOKS 


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«*    A. 


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A 

COLLECTION 

O    F 

MEMORIALS 

CONCERNING 

Divers  deceafed  Minifters  and  others 
of  the  People  called  Qjljakers, 

I  N 

Pennfylvania,  New-Jerfey,  and  Parts  adja- 
cent, from  nearly  the  firft  Settlement 
thereof  to  the  Year  1787. 

With  fome  of  the  lafl:  Exprefllons  and 
Exhortations  of  many  of  them. 


w  w  ts^  Tr^a&j-.Ag'jM^^BgijRM 


Not  by  works  of  righteoufnefs  wfiich  we  have  done,  but  ac- 
cording to  his  mercy,  he  favecl  iis,  by  the  wailiiiii^  of  rege-" 
neration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghoft.  Titus  iii— 5. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed    by  Joseph   Crukshank,   in   Mar- 
ket-Street,   BETWEEN  Second 
AND   Third-Streets. 

M  DCC  LXXXVII. 


PREFACE. 


ALTHOUGH  they  who  are  departed 
hence  in  the  Lord,  can  receive  no  ad- 
dition to  their  happinefs  by  any  teftimonial 
of  their  furviving  friends,  however  jull: ;  yet 
to  the  wife  in  heart,  precious  is  the  memory 
of  the  truly  pious  and  upright,  whofe  hum- 
ble walking  in  the  fear  of  God  has  livingly 
witnefTed  againfl  the  appearance  of  evil  in 
its  various  transformations ;  their  confor- 
mity in  fpirit  and  pradlice  to  the  holy  law 
of  the  Lord,  evincing  the  delight  and  be- 
nefit to  be  foujid  therein ;  for  **  Verily  there 
*'  is  a  reward  for  the  righteous,  verily  he  is 
**  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth."  Pfalm 
Iviii,  verfe  1 1 . 

'*  What  fcene  in  this  life  more  dignifies 
humanity  ?  what  fchool  is  more  profita- 
bly inftrucftive  than  the  death-bed  of  the 
righteous,  imprefling  the  underftanding 
with  a  convincing  evidence,  that  they 
*'  have  not  followed  cunningly  devifed  fa- 
*'  bles,  but  folid  fubftantial  truth;  that 
*'  there  is  a  meafure  of  divine  light  and 
**  grace  in  man,  which  if  duly  minded  and 
**  obeyed,  is  fufficient  to  preferve  thro'  all  the 
"  viciffitudes  in  life,  to  give  him  the  vic- 

'*  tory 


ct 


iv  PREFACE. 

**  tory  over  his  fpiritual  enemies,  and  in  the 
**  end  over  death,  hell,  and  the  grave?"* 

It  is  right  therefore,  that  the  remembrance 
of  thofe  lliould  be  preferved,  whofe  lights 
have  fo  fhone  before  men  as  to  excite  the 
beholders  of  their  good  works  to  glorify 
God,  the  original,  and  fource  from  whom 
all  good  is  derived,  that  tho'  being  dead,  the 
luftre  of  their  pious  example  through  life, 
and  on  the  approach  of  death,  may  con^- 
tinue  to  fpeak  the  inviting  language,  "  Fol- 
"  Igzv  us  as  we  have  follo'wed  Chrijir 

With  this  view,  our  yearly-meeting  con- 
fideringthat  many  memorials  of  our  depart- 
ed friends  lay  dormant  on  the  records,  dir- 
re(5led  a  Colledion  to  be  made  of  fuch  of 
them  as  were  mod  likely  to  be  of  general 
benefit  by  publication,  which  the  committee 
appointed  for  the  fervice  having  performed 
to  the  bell  of  their  judgment,  it  is  now  pre- 
fented  to  the  readers,  feme  of  whom  will  be 
reminded  of  the  fuicere  piety  and  virtue  of 
their  anceflors,  who  through  the  dangers  and 
flifhcultics  to  which  they  were  fubjecfted,  in 
their  removal  from  their  native  land,  and 
forming  a  nev/  fettlement  in  a  wildernefs, 
were  happily  prelerved  in  a  fteady  attention^ 
to  their  religious  duty,  and  many  of  them 
faithfully  engaged  in  promoting  the  caufe  of 
truth  and  righteoufnefs  among  mankind, 
to  whom  others  fucceeded,  who  through 
obedience  to  the  powerful  influence  of  Di- 
vine grace,  became  alike  eminent  in  their 
day,  and  ferviceable  in  the  church. 

The 
*  Life  of  James  Cough,  pnge  53. 


PREFACE.  V 

-  The  following  CoUedion  is  afFedlionately 
recommended  to  the  defcendants  of  thole 
worthies,  to  the  readers  in  general,  and 
particularly  to  the  youth,  whp  may  derive 
profitable  inllruction  by  a  ferious  obferva- 
tion  of  the  happy  etFecls  of  an  early  devoti- 
on of  heart,  and  the  inexpreffible  advant- 
ages of  embracing  the  merciful  vilitation  of 
the  Mod-High,  to  fecure  their  true  comfort 
iji  this  life,  and  enduring  felicity  in  that 
which  is  to  come. 

Though  the  language  and  flyle  of  thefe 
memorials  may  not  be  calculated  to  pleafe 
fuch  curious  readers  w^ho  in  their  eftimate 
of  the  value  of  a  Book,  are  too  much  amuf- 
ed  by  the  dilplay  of  wit  and  literary  accom- 
plilhments  in  the  compolition,  to  give  due 
attention  to  the  inftrudlive  import  of  an  art- 
lefs  account  of  the  chriftian  experiences  of 
thofe,  who  have  not  been  fo  foHcitous  for 
the  approbation  of  men,  as  to  be  found 
humble  followers  of  Chriil,  their  meek  and 
lowly  pattern  and  redeemer;  but  it  is  hop- 
ed, that  there  are  many  to  whom  the  con- 
tents of  this  Colledlion  will  afford  informa- 
tion, edification,  and  encouragement  in  the 
purfait  of  their  mofl  fubllantial  intereft,  a 
life  of  true  wifdom,  piety,  and  virtue;  and 
that  the  number  of  fuch  may  increafe  is 
the  defign  of  the  following  publication. 

Philadelphia,   12th  Month,  1787. 

AN 


A     M 


ALPHABETICAL 


INDEX. 


A 

P 

'1' 

JL  Homas  Atkinfon 

Page 
10 

John  Delaval 

Page 
17 

Peter  Andrews 

i68 

James  Daniel,  fenior 

65 

Tl 

Lydia  Dean 

153 

x> 

Nicholas  Pavis 

165 

John  Bevan 

75 

Elizabeth  Daniel 

205 

Jofeph  Booth 

94 

James  Daniel  {id) 

353 

Thomas  Brown 

179 

E 

Obadiah  Borton 

209 

Rachel  Brown 

39<^ 

John  Eckley 

12 

Anthony  Benezet 

411 

Rowland  Ellis 

91 

C 

Jofeph  Elgar 

98 

John  Eftaugh 

119 

Vincent  Caldwell 

58 

Cadwallader  Evans 

»3» 

Aaron  Coppock 

64 

Evan  Evans 

137 

Hannah  Carpenter 

84 

John  Evans 

175 

Thomas  Chalkley 

103 

Elizabeth  Eftaugh 

210 

Efther  Clare 

109 

Ellen  Evans 

234 

John  Cadwalader 

118 

Margaret  Ellis 

243 

Hannah  Cooper 

158 

Mary  Evans 

276 

Jofeph  Cooper 

159 

Mary  Eailen 

37« 

]3etty  Caldwell 

184 

Thomas  Evans 

409 

Hannah  Carleton 

194 

F 

Kaac  Child 

268 

Grace  Croafdale 

278 

Abraham  Farrington 

186 

John  Churchman 

323 

Peter  Fearon 

217 

N        D        E       X. 


v« 


Jofiah  Foftcr 
William  Foulkc 
Hannah  Fofter 
Rachel  Farquhar 
William  Farquhar 
David  Ferris 

6 

Jofeph  Glaifter 
Alice  Griffith 
Thomas  Goodwin 
Jofeph  Gibfon 

H 

Cuthbert  Hayhurft 
James  Harrifon 
WilUam  Haig 
Mary  Haig 
Hannah  Hill 
Jacob  Holcombe 
William  Hammans 
Ifaac  Hollingfworth 
Ifaac  Hornor 
Elizabeth  Haydock 
:Ellis  Hugh 
William  Hunt 
William  Home 
Zebulon  Hefton 
Mary  Hornor 
John  Hallowell 
Jofeph  Hulband 


Thomas  Janney 
Benjamin  Jordan 
Robert  Jordan 
Jofeph  Jordan 
Robert  Jordan  {2d) 
Jane  Jones 
Cadwallader  Jones 
Dinah  James 


Page 
280 

35<^ 

368 
384 
390 


56 

141 

321 

367 


I 

8 

52 
54 
70 
140 
162 
202 
208 
222 
223 
296 

317 
349 
351 
380 

431 


27 

44 
89 

99 
109 

196 

199 

24*5 


t 

Samuel  John 
Jofeph  Jones 
Griffith  John 
William  and  Katha- 
rine Jackfon 

K 

Edmund  Kinfey 
Mary  Knight 

L 

Roger  Longworth 
Thomas  Langhornc 
Thomas  Lloyd 
Thomas  Lightfoot 
John  Lee 
James  Lord 
William  LeVis 
Thomas  Lancafter 
William  Ladd 
Michael  Lightfoot 
Joihua  Lord 
Samuel  Large 
Mary  Lippincott 
Rachel  Lippincott 
Sufanna  Lightfoot 

M 

Anthony  Morris 
Mofes  Mendenhall 
Sufanna  Morris 
Sarah  Murfin 
William  Mott 
Mary  Moore 
Abraham  Marfliall 
Sarah  Milhoufe 
Sarah  Morris 

O 

Robert  Owen 


Page 
251 
37^ 
379 

>   426 


204 
264 


•4 

6 

21 

^3 
6S 

74 
133 
154 

^SS 
160 

207 

238 

295 

389 
400 


6^ 

93 
163 

215 

240 

248 

257 

331 
334 


30 


Robert  and  Jane  Owen    32 


Viii 


N        D 


X. 


Ellis  Piigh 
Caleb  Pufey 

Page 
48 
68 

Ann  Parfon 

9S 

Samuel  Preflon 

126 

Margaret  Preflon 
Thomas  Pleafants 

127 
128 

Sarah  Pleafailts 

144 

Ifrael  Pemberton 

156 

Agnes  Penquite 
Mary  Pennel 

198 
229 

Rachel  Pemberton 

231 

Mary  Pemberton 

386 

R 

James  RadclifF 

13 

Hugh  Roberts 
Ann  Roberts 

■34 
149 

Thomas  Redman 

250 

Edward  Roberts 

263 

John  Ridgway 
John  Reynell 

318 
423 

S 

John  Simcock 
Eleanor  Smith 

36 
39 

John  Smith 
Elizabeth  Small 

42 
a6 

Sarah  Shotwell 

200 

Eleanor  Shotwell 

216 

John  Smith  {2d) 
John  Scarborough 
Daniel  Stanton 

253 

274 

282 

Elizabeth  Shipley 
Edith  Sharpies 

371 
434 

Page 

Chriflopher  Taylor  3 

Richard  Townlend  J02 

William  Trotter  146 

Evan  Thomas  161 

Jofeph  Tomllnfon  197 

Thomas  Tilton  221 

Benjamin  Trotter  259 

John  Thomas  292 

Ephraim  Tomlinfon  398 

Phebe  Trimble  420 

U 

Alexander  Underwood  256 


John  Vail 


V 


W 


319 


William  Walker 

20 

Henry  White 

41 

Chriftopher  Wilfon 

102 

Elizabeth  Wyatt 

148 

Anna  Webfter 

212 

Thomas  "Wcod 

266 

John  Woolman 

301 

Jofeph  White 

359 

Ellher  White 

374 

Y 

William  Yaruley 

14 

Nathan  Yarnall 

393 

A  COLLECTION 


A 

COLLECTI 

O    F 

t 

Memorials  or  Testimonies 

CONCERNING 

Divers  Ministers  and  Elders  deceafed. 


An  abJtraB  of  Nicholas  Wain's  Tejlimony^ 
concerning  that  faithful  Jervant  of  the  Lord, 
CuTHBERT  Hayhurst,  'who  departed 
this  life^  at  bis  cwn  houfe  in  the  county  of 
Bucks,  in  Pennfylvania,  about  the  ^th  of 
the  firjl  months  1682-3,  near  the  fftieth 
year  of  his  age, 

HE  was  born  at  Eafington,  in  BoUand 
in  the  county  of  York,  in  Old  England, 
and  was  one  of  the  worthies  in  Ifrael.  My 
fpirit  is  comforted  in  a  fenfe  of  that  power, 
v^rhich  did  attend  him  in  our  meetings,  for 
many  years  in  the  land  of  our  nativity,  and 
aifo  after  he  came  into  thefe  parts;  having 
been  a  valiant  foldier  for  the  truth,  and 
bore  a  faithful  tedimony  to  the  fame,    in 

B  word, 


(  2  ) 

worcl,  life  and  converfation.  He  went  tIiro\igTi 
many  great  exercifes  and  imprifonments, 
and  was  a  comfort  unto  the  faithful  and 
true  believers,  who  folloiv  the  Lamb  through 
many  tribulations.  He  was  a  worthy  inftru- 
ment  in  the  Lord*s  hand,  againil:  the  falfe 
teachers  and  hirelings,  going  feveral  times 
to  their  fleeple-houfes,  and  teftifying  againft 
their  deceiving  the  people.  He  alio  v/ent  to 
feveral  market  towns,  and  at  their  croflfes, 
declared  and  publiihed  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
]efus:  I  accompanied  him  and  his  dear  wife 
at  one  of  them,  where  he  faithfully  warned 
the  people  and  exhorted  them  to  repentance; 
the  divine  power  and  prefence  eminently  at- 
tending him,  which  my  foul  was  made  fen- 
fible  of  to  my  comfort  and  fatisfa<flion.  I 
can  fay  he  was  of  great  fervice  to  me  and 
many  others,  being  inllrumental  in  bring- 
ing us  near  unto  the  Lord,  whofe  name 
over  all  we  have  caufe  to  blefs  on  his 
behalf;  and  although  his  body  is  gone  to 
the  earth,  his  memorial  liveth  among  the 
righteous,  and  I  am  perfuaded  his  foul  is 
in  the  enjoyment  of  peace  with  the  Lord. 
I  was  often  with  him  in  the  time  of  his  fick- 
ne(s,  and  beheld  his  meek,  innocent  and 
lamb-like  deportment;  being  alio  by  his 
bed-fide  when  he  departed,  which  was  in  a 
quiet  and  truly  refigneci  frame,  like  one  fall- 
ing into  a  fweet  fleep;  lb  that  1  have  great 
caufe  to  believe  he  is  one  of  thofe  that  died 
in  the  Lord^  and  is  at  reft  ixnth  him  jore'ver, 

NICHOLAS  WALK 


(     3     ) 

William  Yardley's  Teflhnony  concerning  Chri- 
stopher Taylor,  ivbo  died  about  the 
year  1686. 

HE  was  one  of  the  Lord's  worthies, 
flrong  and  fleadi'afi:  in  the  faith,  very 
zealous  for  the  truth  and  careful  for  the 
church;  his  life  being  hid  with  God  in  Chrift. 
His  miniftry  flood  not  in  the  wifdom  of  the 
flelli,  but  in  the  power  of  God.  It  was  the 
birth  born  from  above,  that  could  receive 
him  and  was  refrelhed  by  him.  In  a  word, 
he  was  a  Jew  inward  whofe  praife  is  not 
of  men  but  of  God.  And  forafmuch  as  he 
was  a  man  thus  qualified,  I  could  not  well 
be  fatisfied  that  fo  worthy  a  man  as  dear 
Chriflopher  Taylor,  iliould  be  buried  in  ob- 
livion. His  chiefeft  joy  was  to  feel  friends  in 
the  invifible  life ;  and  although  many  exer- 
cifes  did  attend  him  for  the  truth's  fake,  he 
yN2iS  faithful  nnto  thedeath^  andfo  has  receiv- 
ed a  croujn  of  life-,  and  though  his  departure 
from  us  is  our  lofs,  yet  it  is  his  gain ;  for 
hleffed  are  the  dead  ivhich  die  in  the  Lord,  they 
ref  from  their  labours  and  their  works  do  fol- 
lotv  thein, 

WILLIAM  TARDLET. 

It  appears  our  faid  friend  came  from  Old 
England,  his  native  country,  on  a  religious 
vifit  to  New  England,  in  the  year  1675;  af- 
terwards into  Pennfylvania,  among  the  firfl 
Englilh,  and  fettled  at  Philadelphia.  He  was 

B  2  of 


(4) 

of  confiderable  fervice  in  public  affairs,  and 
very  active  in  fettling  meetings  fordifcipline 
in  thofe  early  tinaes ;  the  firft  of  that  fort 
for  the  women,  being  held  at  his  houfe  in 
1683. 


William  Yardley  and  Phineas  Pemberton's 
Teflimony  concerning  Roger  Long- 
worth* 

HE  was  born  at  Longworth,  near  Bolton 
in  Lancailiire.  We  were  well  acquaint- 
ed Virith  him  almoft  from  the  time  ot  his 
convincement,  being  a  man  of  a  peaceable 
difpofition,  gentle  and  mild,  ready  and  will- 
ing to  ferve  his  friend  to  the  utmoft  of  his 
ability,  and  a  very  diligent  labourer  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord,  willing  to  fpend  and  be 
fpent,  not  counting  any  thing  in  this  world 
too  dear  to  part  with,  for  the  fame.  The 
Lord  did  eminently  blefs  his  m.iniflry,  where- 
unto  he  was  called  about  the  year  1672, 
and  travelled  fometimes  in  that  work,  in 
his  own  country  until  1675;  after  which 
time  he  was  wholly  given  up  and  devoted 
to  the  fervice  of  the  Lord,  travelling  much 
in  England,  where  he  fuffered  imprifon- 
nient  in  feveral  places  ;  fix  times  he  pafled 
through  Holland,  and  /bme  others  of  thofc 
provinces;  alio  part  of  Germany  and  there- 
about, feveral  times  as  far  as  Dantzick, 
where  he  laboured  much  for  the  releale  of 

friends, 


(    5    ) 

friends,  who  then  were  prifoners  there,  writ^ 
ing  to  the  king,  magiftrates  and  officers  on 
cheir  behalf.  At  Embden,  where  friends  were 
fufferers,  he  laboured  for  their  freedom,  and 
it  being  a  tin\e  of  hot   perfecution,  went 
through  the  ftreets,  warning  the  people  to 
repent  of  their  wickednefs,  where  they  kept 
him  two  nights  a  prifoner :  At  another  time 
in  the  faid  place,  he  delivered  a  paper  to  the 
council,  relating  to  the  liberty  of  friends ; 
after  the  reading  whereof,  he  was   called  in 
to  the  council  room  and  received  in  a  friend-^ 
ly  manner,    with    promifes  of  freedom  to 
the  people  called  Quakers,  in  matters  of  faith 
and  worfhip  ;    he  alfo  had  good  fervice  with 
magiftrates,  lawyers,  priefts  and  collegians, 
and  was  feveral  times  a  prifoner  in  thofe 
parts.  Five  times  he  pafTed  through  Ireland, 
vifiting  friends,  where  he  had  good  lervice, 
fometimes  among   the  Irifli  when  at  mafs. 
Once   he   pafTed  through  part  of  Scotland, 
twice  at  Barbados,  once  through  New  En- 
gland and  Virginia,  twice  in  Maryland  and 
the  Jerfeys,  and  tvv- ice  at  Pennfylvania ;  hav- 
ing travelled  by  land  above  20,000  miles, 
his  travels  by  water,  not  being  much  lefs : 
And  though   he  was   often   in   ftorms   and 
tempells  at  fea,    perils  by   land,    and   met 
with    bad  fpirits    and   exercifes   of   divers 
kinds,  yet  the  Lord  ftood  by  him  and  made 
him  a  fuccefsful   inftrument  in  his   hand: 
Cheerfully    paflmg    through  them    all,    by 
the  power  of  him  that  called  him   thereto, 
not  being  flack  to  labour  in  word  and  doc- 
trine. 


(  6  ) 
trine,  wherever  he  came,  to  the  edifying  of 
the  brethren,  and  reconcihng  things  where 
he  found  them  amils:  SettUng  and  efta- 
bUlliing  meetings  in  many  parts  where  he 
came,  to  the  great  comfort  and  refreiliment 
of  the  upright  in  heart,  by  which  he  got  a 
name  amongft  the  ancients,  and  is  recorded 
among  the  worthies  of  the  Lord.  Not  long 
after  his  arrival  in  Pennfylvania,  he  was 
taken  ill  with  a  fever;  his  diflemper  was 
violent  upon  him,  yet  he  bore  it  patiently 
and  pafTed  away  like  a  lamb,  leaving  a  good 
favour.  And  though  the  name  of  the  ivicked 
Jldiill  rot,  yet  the  righteous  Jhall  be  had  in  ever- 
iajhng  remembrance, 

WILLIAM  TARDLET. 
PHINEAS  PEMBERTON. 

He  died  the  yth  of  the  fixth  month  1687, 
about  the  fifty-feventh  year  of  his  age. 


John  Hay  ton's  Tejlimony  concerning  Thomas 
L  A N  G  HO  R  N  E,  ijuho  died  at  his  oivn  habita- 
tion in  Bucks  county,  Pennfylvania,  the 
6th  of  the  eighth  nionth  1687. 

I  KNEW  him  14  years,  he  having  been 
made  inftrumental  in  the  hand  of  the 
Lord,  to  turn  me  from  the  evil  of  my  ways, 
and  from  darknefs  to  his  marvellous  hght; 
and  I  am  a  witnefs  that  he  held  his  integri- 
ty until  the  finifhing  of  his  courfe,  accord- 
ing 


(    7    ) 

ing  to  the  faying  of  David,  "  Mark  the 
perfedl  man  and  behold  the  upright,  for  the 
end  of  that  man  is  peace"^  And  therein  he 
laid  down  his  head.  Having  experienced 
the  work  of  regeneration  in  himfelf,  he  be- 
came qualified  to  ftrengthen  the  brethren, 
and  went  forth  in  the  miniftry  and  word  of 
life,  preaching  the  everlafting  gofpel  of 
Chrift  Jefus ;  having  freely  received  he  free- 
ly gave,  not  fearing  man  but  obeying  God, 
who  had  committed  a  larjj;e  meafure,  and 
clear  manifellation  of  his  fpirit  unto  him, 
not  only  for  his  own  profit  and  benefit,  but 
many  others  received  comfort  thereby ;  for 
his  dodlrine  dropped  as  the  rain,  and  his 
fpeech  diflilled  as  the  dew,  to  the  renewing 
and  refreftiing  the  feed  and  plant  of  God. 

Thus  he  went  forth  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  and  was  valiant  for  truth  upon  earth; 
and  though  many  weapons  were  formed, 
and  many  tongues  rofe  up  againft  him,  yet 
the  divine  power  which  ftopped  the  mouths 
of  lions,  and  quenched  the  violence  of  fire, 
girded  him  with  ftrength  and  valour,  where- 
by he  was  enabled  to  encounter  all  his  ene- 
mies, and  fuch  as  endeavoured  to  ftop  the 
work  which  God  has  begun  in  the  earth. 
After  fome  time,  he  with  his  wife  and  two 
children  came  into  this  counti'y,  and  whilft 
here,  he  bore  a  living,  found  and  faithful 
teftimony  for  the  Lord  God,  to  the  great 
fatisfacflion  and  comfort  of  the  faithful  in 
this  wildernefs,  where  his  lot  did  fall.  For 
having  had  the  opportunity  of  being  with 

hin\ 


(     8     ) 

him  here  in  this  folitary  country,  as  well  as 
in  our  native  land,  both  in  private  and  pub- 
lic places ;  I  am  a  witnefs  according  to  my 
meafure,  that  the  power  and  prefence  of  the 
Lord  did  greatly  attend  him  in  preaching 
the  everlafting  truth.  After  he  was  taken 
fick,  he  grew  weaker  until  his  departure, 
faying  "  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done." 
His  fhort  continuance  here  caufed  many  to 
mourn  when  he  was  taken  from  them,  yec 
not  as  thofe  that  mourn  without  hope,  for 
tho'  he  be  dead,  yet  he  lives,  and  tho'  his 
removal  is  our  lofs,  it  is  his  gain. 

JOHN  H ATT  ON. 


"William  Yardley  and  Phineas  Pemberton's 
lejiimony  cGucerning  James  Harrison. 

THAT  the  righteous  may  not  be  burled 
in  oblivion,  we  give  forth  this  fhort 
teilimony  concerning  our  well  beloved  friend 
James  Harrifon,  who  was  born  near  Kendal, 
in  Wetlmoreland,  and  in  the  breaking  forth 
of  the  truth  in  thofe  parts  he  was  early 
convinced  thereof,  and  in  a  fhort  time  after, 
came  forth  in  a  public  teftimony  for  the 
iame.  His  miniilry  was  not  '*  In  the  "xifdom 
of  this  ii'orldj  but  in  the  demonftrat'ion  of  the 
Jpirit  and  poiver  of  God'\  By  which  many 
were  convinced,  the  ferpent's  head  was  bro- 
ken,   the  wildom  of  the  Heih  confounded, 

a.nd 


(     9     ) 

and  feveral  came  forth  in  a  living  teflimony 
for  God,  who  were  begotten  to  the  Lord  by 
by  him,  and  flill  remain  feals  of  his  mini- 
ftry.  As  he  was  inftrumental  in  turning" 
ing  many  to  God^  fo  he  was  helpful  in  the 
ellablilhing  of  fuch  as  were  converted,  be- 
ing a  good  pattern,  as  well  in  converfation 
as  doctrine,  nx-alk'ing  uprightly  as  in  the  day-' 
time^  being  bold  and  valiant  for  the  truth, 
in  oppofing  its  enemies,  whether  profefTors 
or  profane,  tho'  they  often  raged  fore  againft 
him,  fo  that  his  futferings  were  very  great, 
both  by  im})rifbnment  and  fpoil  of  goods; 
yet  he  always  with  great  courage  fteadily 
kept  his  ground  againft  all  thofe  that  rofe 
up  againft  him  for  the  truth's  fake,  which 
was  of  more  worth  to  him  than  ad  outward 
enjoyments.  In  the  year  1682,  he  removed 
with  his  family  into  Pennfylvania,  and  as 
his  teftimony  was  in  the  power  of  God, 
when  in  the  land  of  his  nativity,  fo  it  was 
when  here;  he  being  likewife  ferviceable 
many  ways.  And  tho'  he  had  great  con- 
cerns in  this  world,  yet  he  earneftly  labour- 
ed to  keep  a  confcience  void  of  offence,  be- 
ing a  man  of  a  peaceable  fpirit,  and  the 
Lord's  pov»^er  kept  him  a  fweet  favour  to  the 
end.  He  bore  his  ficknefs  with  much  pa- 
tience, tho'  often  greatly  bowed  down  there- 
with to  the  time  of  his  departure,  laying 
down  his  head  in  peace,  and  paffing  away  in 
much  ftillnefs,  thefixth  of  the  eighth  month, 
1687,  ia  the  fifty-ninth  year  of  his  age:  His 

removal 


(  1=  ) 

removal  being  our  lofs  but  his  gain,  for,  blcj^ 
fed  arc  the  dead  nvhich  die  in  the  Lord^  they  reft 
from  their  labours  and  their  works  do  folloiv 
them. 

WILLIAM  TARDLET. 

PHINEAS  PEMBERTON, 


Jane  Atkinfon's  Tellimony  concerning  her  late 
/7«jte^  Thom  AS  Atkinson. 

HE  was  born  at  Newby  in  the  County 
of  York,  being  the  fon  of  John  At- 
kinfon,  of  Thruih-Crofs,  was  convinced  of 
the  truth  and  had  received  a  gift  of  the  mi- 
niftry  before  I  knew  him.  We  were  joined 
in  marriage  in  the  year  1678,  and  Hved  to- 
gether in  love  and  unity.  He  was  a  zeal- 
ous man  for  the  truth,  and  according  to  the 
gift  which  he  had  received,  bore  a  faithful 
teftimony  unto  it,  of  which  many  were 
witneiTes  in  that  country  from  whence  we 
came.  In  1682  we  came  into  this  country, 
with  one  confent,  and  in  the  unity  of  our 
dear  friends  and  brethren,  who  gave  a  good 
teftimony  for  us,  by  a  certificate  from  their 
monthly  meeting;  and  my  foul  hath  good 
caufe  to  blefs  the  Lord,  and  to  prize  his 
mercies,  whofe  prefence  was  with  us  by  lea 
and  land.  Since  we  came  into  this  part  of 
the  world,  he  retained  his  love  and  zeal  for 
God  and  his  truth,  his  treafure  not  being  in 
this  world,    and  afj  it  often  opened  in  his 

heart.i^ 


(       •!       ) 

heart,  did  exKort  others  to  (land  loore  from 
things  whicii  are  here  beiow,  and  diligently 
leek  after  thofe  things  that  are  above.  He 
was  a  tender  hulband,  ready  to  encourage 
and  Itrenbrthen  me  in  that  which  is  Rood. 
About  the  latter  end  of  the  fifda  month  1687, 
he  was  taken  with  the  ague  and  fever,  which 
much  weakned  his  body,  in  which  he  con- 
tinued a  conhderable  time;  being  well  con- 
tent with  the  dealings  of  the  Lord:  His 
heart  was  often  opened  in  prayer  and  fup- 
plication  unto  his  God,  to  preferve  him  in 
patience  unto  the  end  of  his  days,  and  that 
none  of  us  might  think  hard  of  a.ny  of 
thofe  exercifes  that  he  is  pleafed  to  try  us 
withal.  At  times  he  would  look  upon  me  and 
fay,  7ny  dear  wife^  the  Lord  prejerue  thee  and 
take  care  of  thee^  Jor  I  muji  leave  thee  and  go 
to  my  rejl\  with  many  more  Iweet  and  hea- 
venly exprefTions  and  exhortations,  in  the 
time  of  his  great  weaknefs,  which  continu- 
ed until  the  3  \Jl  of  the  eighth  month,  when  he 
once  more  exhorted  me  to  be  content,  and 
that  I  would  defire  his  brother  (who  v\ras 
then  abfent)  to  be  content  alfo;  After  which 
he  palTed  away  as  one  falling  into  a  quiei: 
Deep.  And  as  the  Lord  hath  hitherto  been 
my  flrength  and  my  flay  in  the  time  of  my 
great  diflrefs,  fo  the  defire  of  my  heart  i?^ 
that  I,  with  my  brethren  and  filters,  who 
yet  remain  behind,  may  alfo  finilh  our 
courfe  in  faithfulnefs,  that  in  the  end  we 
may  receive  the  fame  reward  with  the  righ- 
teous that  are  gone  before. 

J  Aim  ATKINSON. 


n^ 


(       12      ) 

Samuel  Jennings's  Tejiimony  concerning  John 
EcKLEY,  of  Philadelphia m  Pennfylvania, 
ivho  died  about  the  year  1690. 

I  A  M  perfuaded  it  is  a  juftice  due  to  the 
righteous,  and  a  duty  upon  us,  to  con- 
tribute fomething  to  perpetuate  the  names 
of  fuch  who  have  left  a  fragrancy  behind 
them,  and  through  j ait h  have  obtained  a  good 
report.  Tho'  their  bodies  fleep  in  the  grave, 
and  by  divine  appointment,  they  die  like 
other  men,  yet  this  fignal  difference  hath 
the  Lord  declared,  the  memory  of  the  juli  is 
hlejfed,  but  the  name  of  the  wicked  f hall  rot. 
Pro.  I  o,  7.  And  to  give  teilimony  to  thofe 
that  die  in  the  Lord,  is  not  only  juft  to 
them,  but  is  very  ufeful  to  the  living;  as 
many  under  great  confli<fi:s  of  fpirit  have 
experienced,  that  it  hath  been  to  their  com- 
fort and  (Irength,  to  hear  or  read  of  the 
faichfulnefs  and  conftancy  of  God  to  his 
own  in  all  ages,  and  how  he  hath  in  due  time, 
made  them  more  than  conquerors, and  crown- 
ed their  end  with  peace  and  dominion.  Thefe 
confiderations,  together  with  the  fincere  af- 
fection I  had  for  this  our  dear  friend,  hath 
prevailed  with  me,  in  truth  and  fobernefs, 
to  give  the  following  teflimony  concerning 
him.  As  a  man  he  was  pleafanr,  courteous, 
difcreet  and  grave,  and  in  public  fervices 
accompanied  the  foremoft.  The  word  of  ivif- 
dom  was  in  his  ?nouth,  and  he  had  received  the 
tongue  of  the  learned,   to  J'peak  in  due  jeajon. 

I  might 


(     «3     ) 

I  might  truly  fay  much  of  his  innocencyj 
Jove  and  zeal  for  truth,  which  hath  left  a 
lively  impreflion  upon  the  hearts  of  many. 
His  lait  ficknefs  was  the  fmall  pox,  a  dif- 
temper  often  known  to  be  very  afflicting ; 
notwithftanding  which,  he  cheerfully  and 
contentedly  fubmitted  to  the  providence  of 
God  in  it,  upon  all  occafions  expreffing  a  free 
and  hearty  refignation  to  his  will ;  and  was 
frequently  filled  with  praifes  to  God,  and 
inltruclions  to  his  people. 

SAMUEL  JENNINGS, 


Mary  RadclifF's  Tefiimony  co7icer7iing  her  late 
husband  James  Radcliff,  who  died  in 
or  about  the  year  1690. 

E  was  an  innocent  man,  and  one  that 
did  truly  fear  the  Lord,  and  wifhed 
the  welfare  of  all.  It  was  his  chiefefl  care, 
faithfully  to  ferve  the  Lord,  and  obey  him. 
in  whatfoever  he  required;  and  it  was  often 
in  his  heart  to  exhort  others  to  faithfulnefs, 
and  to  improve  the  gift  which  the  Lord  had 
committed  to  them.  I  knew  him  when  he 
was  young,  we  both  belonging  to  the  fame 
meeting.  He  was  a  prifoner  upon  truth's  ac- 
count, when  about  fifteen  years  of  age; 
after  which  his  mouth  was  opened  to  bear 
a  public  teftimony  for  the  Lord  and  his 
bleifed  truth,  travelling  many  miles,  and 
undergoing  many  hardihips,  imprifonments 

and 


(  »4  ) 
and  other  exercifes :  And  after- we  were  mar- 
ried, he  alfo  pafTed  thro'  many  deep  fufFer- 
ings  and  imprlfonments,  but  the  Lord  pre- 
ferved  him  through  them  all:  And  as  he 
was  <xf  a  mild  Iamb-like  difpofition,  and 
lived  an  innocent  harmlefs  life,  fo  he  end- 
ed his  days  in  innocency,  and  being  re- 
deemed from  the  earth,  laid  down  his  head 
in  peace.  And  tho'  his  body  be  gone  to  the 
duft,  from  whence  it  came  yet  his  fpirit 
is  afcended  to  God  who  gave  it,  and  his 
living  teilimony  and  good  favour  that  he 
hath  left,  are  comfortable  memorials  upon 
my  mind,  defiring  I  may  fo  live  and  fo  finilh 
my  courfe  as  he  hath  done. 

MART  RADCLIFF. 


Thomas   Janney's   Teft'imony  concerning 
William  Yardley. 

E  was  born  near  Leek,  in  the  north 
part  of  StafFordfhire,  of  honefl  pa- 
rents, who  brought  him  up  in  the  employ- 
ment of  a  farmer.  In  his  youth  he  fought 
more  after  the  l?:nuwledge  of  God  and  the 
things  of  his  kingdom,  than  the  fading  va- 
nities or  momentary  pleafures  of  this  world, 
and  therefore  joined  himfelf  in  fociety  with 
a  people  that  were  then  the  highefl  in  pro- 
fclTion  in  thofe  parts,  who  called  themfelves, 
the  family  of  love,  among  whom  he  walked 
for  fome  time  j  but  when  it  pleafed  the  Lord 

to 


{     «5     ) 

to  fend  two  of  his  faithful  mefTengers,  called 
in  fborn  Quakers,  out  of  the  north  of  Eng- 
land into  the  parts    vsrhere  William   lived, 
he  received  their  teftimony,  as  did  alfo  feve- 
ral  others  of  the  aforefaid  fociety.    But  this 
my  friend  received  the  truth  with  a  ready 
mind  and  gladnefs  of  heart,  and  thought 
nothing  too  dear  to  part  with  for  it,  yea  it 
was  precious  to  him   as  the  pearl  of  great 
^rice^  and   it  wrought   effecftually   in   him, 
not  only  in  opening  his  underftanding,  but 
alfo  in  its  various  operations,  both  to  wound 
and  to  heal,  to  purge  out  the  old  leaven  and 
to  leaven  anew  into  its  holy  nature  and  qua- 
litv:    And   as  the   Lord   had  made   him   a 
living  witnefs  of  the  power  and  lite  of  truth 
in  himlelf,  he  called  him  to  bear  a  teftimo- 
ny  to  the  truth  as  he  had  received  it,  and 
alio  againft  the  faUe  V'l-Ays  and  worfhips  that 
were  then  extant  in  the  world ;"    for  which 
he  fuffercd  ieveral  imprifonments,   bearing 
the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day,   being  one 
of  the  firll  that  received  and  bore  v/irnefs 
to  the  truth  in  thofe   parts.     He  was  very 
ferviceable  in  his  public  teftimony,  not  on- 
ly in  convincing  but  alfo  to  the  cdiiicaticii 
of  many ;   yea  he  was  a  great  flay  and  lup- 
port  to  friends  in  the  parts  near  where  he 
lived;    For  he  was  an  inilrument  of  great 
fervice  in    the  Lord's  hand,    being   much 
efleemed   for  his  works   fake,  not  only  at 
home  but  in  other  places  where  he  travelled 
in  truth's  fervice. 

la  the  year  1682,  being  in  the  fiftieth  year 

of 


(     i6    ) 

of  his  age,  he  removed  himfelf  and  family  In- 
to America,  and  fettled  according  to  his  in- 
tention in  Pennfylvania,  where  he  continued 
very  ferviceable  amongft  us,  in  his  mini- 
llry,  and  fometimes  vifited  places  adjacent: 
He  was  alfo  ufeful  in  fome  other  fervices  in 
our  firfl  fettlement  here.  In  fhort,  as  he 
was  a  fenfible,  fo  he  was  a  ferviceable  mem- 
ber of  the  body,  having  a  i'enie  of  and 
fhare  in  whatever  tended  to  the  ftrength  and 
benefit  thereof;  as  on  the  other  hand,  if 
any  thing  happened  that  caufed  grief  or 
trouble,  he  bore  his  part  of  it. 

He  was  a  man  of  fbiind  judgment  and 
good  underftanding,  not  being  djawn  alide 
by  any  fallb  fpirit  that  ha:;i  rilen  in  our 
day,  nor  joined  with  any  that  broke  forth 
into  feparation,  or  fought  to  divide  or  make 
fchifms  in  the  body,  either  in  England  or 
America.  He  dearly  loved  the  Ibciety  of 
his  brethren,  and  much  prized  unity,  as 
one  who  knew  the  comfort  and  benefit  there- 
of He  had  a  high  efteem  for  all  who  were 
of  a  right  fpirit  and  of  fervice  in  the  church, 
althaugh  his  younger  brethren.  H,s  mini- 
flry  was  with  a  good  underftanding,  not 
only  of  what  he  fpoke  from,  but  alio  what 
he  fpoke  unto;  and  the  things  which  he 
teftilied  were  'what  he  had  learned  of  the 
Lord^  and  had  h'lmjelf  jeen^  heard  and  tajhd 
of  i:i  the  good  ivord  of  life^  not  boajiing  in 
tither  7nens  lines.  In  the  latter  part  of  his 
days  he  grew  weak  in  body  by  fome  infir- 
mities which  increafed  upon  him,  neverthc- 

lefs. 


(     '7     ) 

lefs,  he  was  often  raifed  in  meetings  by  the 
power  of  the  Lord,  and  thereby  carried  on 
in  his  teftimony,  to  our  refrefhment  and 
comfort. 

What  I  have  here  written  concerning  this 
my  dear  friend  and  brother,  is  from  my 
own  certain  knowledge,  we  having  been  in- 
timate friends,  from  our  youth  up,  and 
fince  we  came  into  America,  we  have  had 
the  advantage  of  frequent  opportunities  to- 
gether, it  being  our  lot  to  live  near  to  each 
other,  which  now  makes  my  lofs  in  the 
want  of  him  to  be  the  greater,  altho'  I  am 
fatisfied  his  remoual  is  his  gain. 

From  my  houfe  in  Makefield,  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Bucks,  26th  of  the  fixth  month  1693. 

THOMAS  JAN  NET, 


James Dickinfon's  Teftimony  concerning  John 
Del  A  VA  L,  ijuho  died  in  Philadelphia,  about 
the  year  1^93,  Juppofed  to  ha'ue  beeri  'written 
when  on  one  of  his  vijits  to  America. 

MY  heart  is  opened  by  the  power  of 
truth,  to  give  forth  a  teftimony  to 
the  Lord's  power,  that  hath  wrought  effec- 
tually in  this  latter  age  of  the  world,  for 
the  bringing  many  fons  unto  glory  ;  of  the 
number  of  whom  I  do  believe  was  this  my 
dear  friend  John  Delaval,  whofe  memory 
lives  among  the  faithful  that  knew  him, 
and  needs  not  thefe  charaders,  to  fee  forth 
C  that 


(     i8    ) 

that  cotnelinefs  which  the  Lord  pnt  upon 
him,  but  his  name  is  recorded  in  Heaven, 
and  fhall  never  be  obhterated.  Altho'  he 
was  one  called  in  at,  the  eleventh  hour,  yet 
he  was  faithful  and  zealous  lor  the  truth,  a 
man  of  a  tender  broken  fpirit,  and  loved 
the  power  of  truth  and  the  operation  of  it, 
which  helped  him  through  and  over  what 
was  contrary  to  it.  My  foul  loved  him  and 
was  drawn  near  hiin  the  firft  day  I  faw 
him,  becaufe  of  the  fincerity  that  I  beheld 
in  him;  and  as  our  familiarity  increafed,  fo 
1  found  the  bent  of  his  mind  was  to  ferve 
the  Lord  in  uprightneis  of  heart.  The 
Lord  gave  him  a  gift  in  the  miniftry,  and 
bleffed  him  in  it,  and  enabled  him  to  get 
his  days  w^ork  done  in  his  day,  whofe  ex- 
ample I  pray  God,  we  that  remain  may  fol- 
low ;  who  was  valiant  for  the  truth  upon 
earth,  and  turned  not  his  back  to  the  op- 
pofers  of  it,  nor  would  fpare  the  backfli- 
ders  from  it,  but  flood  faithful  to  the  end. 
His  bow  abode  in  flrength,  and  tho*  many 
archers  fliot  at  him,  yet  he  kept  the  fliield 
of  faith,  by  which  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
wicked  one  were  quenched,  and  his  foul 
preferved  in  communion  with  the  Lord,  and 
in  the  faith  of  Chrifl  he  finifhed  his  tcfli- 
mony,  with  a  heart  full  of  love  to  God 
and  his  people :  The  Lord  took  him  away 
from  evil  to  come.  And  my  defire  is  that 
we  who  remain,  may  keep  to  the  fame  pow- 
er by  which  he  was  vifited ;  and  love  the 
operation  of    it,    that  thereby  all  may  be 

prepared 


(     ^9    ) 

prepared  for  their  latter  end,  wliich  haftens 
Upon  us;  fo  obtain  the  crown  that  is  laid 
np  in  ftore,  for  all  them  that  fight  the  good 
fight  and  keep  the  faith,  and  keep  their  eyes 
lingle  to  Chrift  Jefus  the  author  of  it,  and 
keep  the  word  of  patience;  thefe  will  be 
kept  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  and  know 
an  overcoming:  And  unto  him  that  over- 
cometh,  faith  Chrift,  will  I  grant  to  fit  with 
ine  in  my  throne,  even  as  I  alfo  overcame,  and 
am  fat  down  with  my  father  in  his  throne. 
Thefe  fliall  not  be  hurt  of  the  fecond  death, 
bat  know  a  part  in  Chrift,  the  firft  refurrec- 
tion,  and  know  that  they  are  the  fons  of 
God,  as  was  anciently  faid,  **  Now  are 
we  the  ions  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  ap- 
pear what  we  fliail  be."  But  "  When  Chrift, 
who  is  our  life  (hall  appear,  then  fhall  we 
alfo  appear  with  him  in  glory."  Let  all 
keep  to  Chrift  and  know  him  to  be  their 
life,  fo  fhall  they  be  made  partakers  of  the 
better  refurre6lion,  even  that  unto  life ;  whea 
the  fentence  will  be  pafled  upon  all,  either 
come  ye  blelfed,  or  go  ye  curfed,  by  the 
juft  Judge  of  the  vs^hole  earth,  who  will  do 
rightly  to  every  man,  and  give  to  every  one 
according  as  their  works  fliall  be:  To  whom 
all  muft  give  an  account,  and  happy  will 
they  be  who  keep  to  God's  power,  they  will 
be  kept  by  it  to  his  glory,  and  their  eternal 
falvation, 

JAMES  DICKINSON. 

Elizabeth 


(      20      ) 

Elizabeth  Walker's  TeJImony  concerning  her 
husband  William  Walker. 

TH  E  love  of  God  to  him  was  great,  in 
calling  him  out  of  the  broad  way  to 
labour  in  his  vineyard ;  and  tho'  it  was  late 
in  the  day,  I  believe  he  received  his  penny. 
Great  was  the  care  and  awe  that  was  on  his 
mind,  left  he  ihould  do  any  thing  to  hin- 
der his  religious  growth  and  fervice;  for 
having  no  trade,  and  we  poirelhng  little  but 
what  my  dear  hufband  earned  by  hard  la- 
bour, he  was  advifed  to  learn  a  trade,  to 
which  he  anfwered,  *'  I  dare  not  let  out  my 
mind  to  learn  one,  but  can  freely  follow  my 
prefent  calling,  if  the  Lord  will  enable  me; 
becaufe  it  is  no  incumbrance  to  my  mind, 
and  thro'  God's  goodnefs  we  do  not  want." 
However,  in  an  unexpecled  time,  way  was 
made  for  our  getting  into  a  fmall  bulinefs, 
which  fuited  our  capacities,  and  the  Lord 
gave  a  blefTmg  unto  our  endeavours.  He 
often  viiited  the  fick,  and  his  foul  fympa- 
thized  with  the  afflided,  being  alfo  willing 
to  adminifter  to  the  necelfities  of  the  poor  as 
obje(5ts  of  charity  prefented.  He  was  a  tender 
hufband  unto  me,  and  one  whom  my  foul  had 
true  unity  with  in  the  life  of  Jefus ;  his  de- 
light and  meditations  being  in  the  law  of 
the  Lord.  Many  were  the  feafons  of  divine 
love  we  enjoyed  the  little  time  we  were  to- 
gether, which  often  tendered  our  hearts  be- 
fore the  Lord,  in  our  private  retirements,  fo 

that 


(      21       ) 

that  praifes  have  been  returned  to  his  pure 
name,  in  a  fenfe  of  the  aboundings  of  his 
love  and  Hfe,  And  altho'  his  body  is  re-- 
moved  from  me,  I  am  well  fatisfied  he  hath 
obtained  the  recompence  of  reward  with  the 
redeemed  of  the  Lord. 

ELIZABETH  WALKER. 

The  aforefaid  William  Walker,  was  born 
in  Yorkfhire,  but  removed  to  Pennfylvania, 
where  he  was  convinced.  In  the  latter  end 
of  the  year  1693,  he  went  to  England  on  a 
religious  vifit,  and  died  at  London  the  1 2th 
of  the  fourth  month  1694.  A  further  account 
of  him  and  fome  of  his  la(l  expreilions,  are 
jnferted  in  the  2d  part  of  the  book,  called 
piety  promoted, 

'- Hi liiUiiliUiiH;iiii^kiiii. ■— — 

A  Tejiimony  from  the  Monthly -Meeting  of 
Haverford  in  Pennfylvania,  concerning 
Thomas  Lloyd. 

THE  love  of  God  and  the  regard  we  have 
to  the  bleffed  truth,  conftrains  us  to  give 
forth  this  teftimony,  concerning  our  dear 
friend  Thomas  Lloyd,  many  of  us  having 
had  long  acquaintance  with  him,  both  in 
Wales,  where  he  formerly  lived,  and  alfo  in 
Pennfylvania,  where  he  finiilied  his  courfe, 
and  laid  down  his  head  in  peace  with  the 
Lord,  and  is  at  reft  and  joy  with  him  for- 
evermore. 

He 


(      22      ) 

He  was  by  birth  of  them  who  are  called 
the  gentry,    his  father  being  a  man  of  a 
confiderable  eftate  and  of  great  efleem  in 
his  time,  of   an  ancient  houfe  and  eftate 
called  Dolobran,    in   Montgomeryihire   in 
Wales.     He  was   brought  up  at  the  moft 
noted  fchools,  and  from  thence  went  to  one 
of  the  univerfities ;  and  becaule  of  his  fu- 
perior,  natural  and  acquired  parts,   many 
of  account  in   the  world  had  an  eye  of  re- 
gard  towards  him:     Being  offered  degrees 
and  places  of  preferments,  he  refufed  them 
all :    The  Lord  beginning  his  work  in  him, 
and  caufing  a  mealure  of  his  light  to  fhine  out 
of  darknefs,  in  his  heart,  which  gave  him 
a  fight  of  the  vain  forms,  cuftoms  and  tra- 
ditions of  the  fchools  and  colleges:     And 
hearing  of   a   poor   defpifed   people  called 
Quakers,  he  went  to  hear  them,  and   the 
Lord's   power  reaphed  unto  him  and  came 
over  him,  to  the  humbling  and  bovi'ing  his 
heart  and  fpirit;  fo  that  he  was  convinced 
of  God's  everlafting  truth,  and  received  it 
in  the  love  of  it,  and  was  made  willing, 
like  meek  Mofes,    to  choole  rather  to  fuffer 
aiiiiiflion  with  the  people  of  the  Lord,  than 
the  honours,  preferments  and  riches  of  this 
world.     The  earthly  wifdom  came  to  be  of 
no  reputation  with  him,  but  he  became  a 
fool,   both  to  it  and  his  former  affociatei,, 
and  through  felf  denial,  and  taking  up  the 
daily  crofs  of  Chriit  Jefus,  which  crucified 
his   natural  v/iil,   affeclions   and   pleafurcs, 
he  came  to  be  a  fchoiar  in  Chrifl's  fchoo), 

and 


(  23  ) 
and  to  learn  the  true  wifdom  which  is  from 
above.  Thus  by  departing  from  the  vani- 
ties and  iniquities  of  the  world,  and  follow- 
ing the  leadings,  guidance  and  inflruc^ions 
of  the  divine  light,  grace  and  fpirit  of 
Chrift,  he  came  more  and  more  to  have  au 
underilanding  in  the  myfleries  of  God's 
kingdom,  and  was  made  an  able  minifter  of 
the  everlafting  gofpel  of  peace  and  falvation; 
his  acquired  parts  being  fanctified  to  the 
fervice  of  truth. 

His  found  and  efFe(!n:ual  miniflry,  his 
godly  converfation,  meek  and  lamb-like 
fpirit,  great  patience,  temperance,  humility, 
and  flownefs  to  wrath;  his  love  to  the  bre- 
thren, his  godly  care  in  the  church  of  Chrift, 
that  all  things  might  be  kept  fweet,  favoury 
and  in  good  order ;  his  helping  hand  to  the 
weak,  and  gentle  admonitions,  we  are  fully 
fatisiied  have  a  feal  and  witnefs  in  the  hearts 
of  ail  faithful  friends  who  knew  him,  both 
in  the  land  of  his  nativity  and  in  thefe 
American  parts.  We  may  in  truth  fay,  he 
fought  not  himfelf,  nor  the  riches  of  this 
world,  but  his  eye  was  to  that  which  is 
everlafting,  being  given  up  to  fpend  and  be 
ipent  for  the  truth  and  the  fake  of  friends « 

He  never  turned  his  back  on  the  truth, 
nor  WRS  weary  in  his  travels  Sion-wards, 
but  remained  a  found  pillar  in  the  fpiritual 
building.  He  had  many  difpiites  with  the 
clergy  and  fome  called  peers  in  England, 
and  alfo  fuffered  imprifonments  and  much 
lofs  of  outward  fubftance,  to  the  honour  of 

trutii. 


.(     M    ) 

truth,  and  flopping  in  meafure,  the  mouths 
of  gainlayers  and  perfecutors.  Yet  thefe  ex- 
erciles  and  trials  in  the  land  of  his  nativity, 
which  he  fuftained  through  the  abiUty  God 
gave  him,  v^^ere  fmall  and   not  to  be  com- 
pared to  the  many  and  great  exercifes,  griefs 
and  forrows  he  met  vsrithal   and  went  thro* 
in  Pennfylvania,  from  that  miferable  apo- 
ftate  George  Keith  and  his  deluded  compa- 
ny.    Oh  the  revilings,  the  great  provocati- 
ons, the  bitter  and  wicked  language,  and 
rude  behaviour  which   the  Lord  gave  him 
patience  to  bear  and  overcome.     He  reviled 
not   again,    nor  took  any  advantage,    but 
loved  his  enemies,  and  prayed  for  them  that 
defpitefuUy  abufed  him.     His  love  to  the 
Lord,  his   truth  and   people  was  fincere  to 
the  lafl.     He  was  taken  with  a  malignant 
fever,  the  ^th  of  the  fe  venth  month  1 6 94,  and 
tho'  his  bodily  pain   was  great,  he  bore  it 
with  much  patience.     Not  long  before  his 
departure,  fome  friends  being  with  him,  he 
faid,    '*  Friends,  I   love  you  all,  I  am  go- 
*'  ing  from  you,  and  I  die  in  unity  and 
*'  love  with  all  faithful  friends:      I   have 
'*  fought  a  good  fight  and  kept  the  faith, 
**  which  frauds  not  in  the  wifdom  of  words, 
**  but  in  the  power  of  God:  I  have  fought, 
"  not  for  ftrife  and  contention,  but  for  the 
*'  grace  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Ghrift,    and  the 
*'  iimplicity  of  the  gofpel.     I  lay  down  my 
*'  head  in  peace  and  defire  you  may  all  do  fo; 
"  friends,  farewell  all."    He  further  fliid  to 
Griffith  Owen,  a  friend  then  intending  for 

England, 


(      25      ) 

England,  *'  I  defire  thee  to  mind  my  love  to 
**  friends  in  England,  if  thou  lives  to  go  over 
*'  to  fee  them ;    1  have  lived  in  unity  with 
**  them,  and  do  end  my  days  in  unity  with 
*'  them ;  and  defire  che  ford  to  keep  them  all 
*'  faithful  to  the  end,  in  the  limphcitv  ot  the 
*'  gofpel."    On  the  voth  dav  of  the  feventh 
month  aforefaid,  being  thtbtb  da>  of  his  nck- 
nefs,  it  plealed  the  Lord  to  remove  him  from 
the  many  trials,  temptations,   lurrows  and 
troubles  of  this  world,  to  the  kingdom  of  ever- 
lalting  joy  and  peace;  but  the  remembrance 
of  his  innocent  life  and  meek  fririt  lives  with 
us,  and  his  memorial  is,  and  will  remain  to 
be  fweet  and  comfortable  to  the  faithful. 

He  was  buried  in  friends  burial-ground 
in  Philadelphia,  aged  about  forty- five  years, 
having  been  feveral  years  prefideat  and  de- 
puty governor  of  Pennfylvania, 


The  followng  epiflle,  which  appears  to 
have  been  written  foon  after  his  arrival  in 
Pennfylvania,  is  thought  not  improper  to  be 
here  fubjoined. 

Philadelphia,  ad  of  fixth  Month  i68<|. 

My  dear  and  ivell  beloved  friends^   of  and  bs" 
longing  to  Dolobran  ^lartcrly- Meeting, 

*"  i^  H  E  warm  and  tender  falutation  of  mjr 

JL     love  is  unfeigned  to  you,  with  whom 

I  have  converfed  and  walked  fome  years,  in 

unity,  zeal,  concord,  and  endeavoured  fer- 

viceabienefs ; 


(     26     ) 

viceablenefs :  You  are,  becaufe  of  our 
nearnefs,  familiar,  yet  honourable  in  my 
thoughts  and  efteem.  The  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jefus,  profper  and  increafe  daily  in  your 
Xi^inds,  and  reft  bountifully  on  your  habi- 
tations. My  heart  is  affedled  with  the  re- 
membrance of  you,  and  efpecially  of  the 
virtue  and  operation  of  that  living  princi- 
ple which  traverfeth  the  deeps,  and  though 
it  bounds  the  feas,  yet  cannot  be  bound 
thereby,  but  continues  its  being  and  intire- 
nefs  through  and  over  all  diftances,  and 
makes  us  of  many,  one  people  to  himfelf. 
The  God  of  llrael  and  the  excellency  of 
Jacob  is  with  us,  and  the  prefent  days  are 
as  the  former,  days  of  glad  tidings,  days 
of  humility,  days  of  holy  fear,  obedience 
and  refrefliment,  increafe  and  growth  to  the 
faithful.  We  and  you  are  under  refpedive 
exercifes,  the  way  of  your  trial  may  be  in 
a  more  fevere  manner  at  prefent.  The  Lord 
in  his  wonted  tendernefs  bear  you  up,  and 
grant  you  a  rejoicing  in  fimplicity  and  god- 
ly fincerity  before  him.  That  is  no  new  thing 
to  you,  to  fufFer  joyfully  in  your  perfons 
and  goods ;  the  Lord  gave  us  ftrength,  cou- 
rage, fatisfa(flion  and  honours  thereby. 
Whilft  he  is  in  our  eyes,  and  his  holy  fear 
in  our  hearts,  whether  in  bonds  or  free,  in 
that  or  this  part  of  the  world,  our  prefer- 
vation  we  fl:iall  witnefs.— Our  meetings  are 
very  full:  I  guefs  we  had  no  lefs  number 
than  eight  hundred  laft  firft  day ;  we  are 
glad  to  fee  the  faces  of  ferviceable  friends 

hercj 


(    27    ) 

here,  who  come  in  God's  freedom,  v,'ho  are 
perfons  of  a  good  underftanding  and  con- 
verfation,  and  v/ill  difcharge  their  ftations 
religioufly;  liicii  will  be  a  blelling  to  the 
province.  The  favourable  revolution  of 
Providence  hath  founded  the  government  fo 
here,  that  a  man  is  at  liberty  to  ferve  his 
Maker  without  contempt,  difcouragement^. 
or  reilraint.  Truth  indeed  makes  men  ho- 
nourable, not  only  here,  but  in  moft  places 
at  lafti  but  here  truth  receives  a  good  en-, 
tertainment  at  tirft.  Our  governor  is  em- 
barking for  England;  our  well  wiflies  go. 
with  and  attend  him.  He  hopes  to  have  an 
opportunity  by  teflimony  or  writing,  to 
exprefs  his  love  and  remembrance  to  the 
feveral  churches  of  Britain.  Our  friends 
from  the  neighbourhood  are  generally  well, 
and  tolerably  fettled.  In  love  I  lived  with 
you,  in  love  I  took  my  leave  of  you,  and 
in  love  I  bid  you  a  chriflain  and  brotherly 
f^reweh 

Tour  friend  and  brother 

THOMAS  LLOYD, 


A  TeJIhnony  froju  the  Falls  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Bucks  country  Pennfylvania,  concerniJig 
Thomas  Janney. 

HE  fettled  with  us  at  his  firfl  coming 
.    into  thefe  parts,  labouring  amongil 
\is  in  word  and  dodrias  divers  years.     Vv^e 

loved 


(       28       ) 

loved  and  highly  efteemed  him  for  his  works 
fake,  being  an  able  minifler  of  the  gofpel, 
found  in  do(51;rine,  endowed  with  wifdom 
and  a  ready  utterance ;  and  favour'd  with 
openings  into  the  myfteries  of  the  things  of 
God's  kingdom.     He  was  not  forward  to 
offer  his  gift,  having  a  true  regard  to  the 
giver,  who  faid  formerly,  "  Caft  the  net  on 
the  right  fide  of  the  fhip:"    Therefore  his 
*'  Bow  abode  in  flrength."     And  tho'  the 
Jjord  had  furnifhed  him  with  fuch  excellent 
qualifications,   he  had  fo  learned  felf-denial 
as  not  to  glory  therein;    but  was  ready  to 
prefer  his  friends  before  himfelf,  and  give 
them   the  right  hand  of  fellowfhip;  being 
careful  to  keep  the  teftimony  of  truth  clear 
on  all  accounts,  faying,    "  Thofe  that  ap- 
pear in  public,  are  doubly  bound  fo  to  do.'"* 
He  was  of  a  cheerful  and  peaceable  temper, 
and  innocent  and  blamelefs  in  life.     As  the 
Lord  had  befcowed  on  him  a  gift  of  the 
miniftry,   beyond  many  of  his  fellov/s,  fb 
he  was  careful  to  improve  it  to  his  honour 
and  the  comfort  of  his   people,  labouring 
therein,  not  only  herein  Pennfylvania  and 
New-Jerfey,    but  he  alfo  feveral  times  vifit- 
ed  the  churches  in  New-England,  Rhode- 
Ifland,    Long-Ifland    and   Maryland,    and 
laftly  he  went  on  that  fervice  to  Old-En- 
gland, where  he  finillied  his  courfe.     And 
tho'  our  lofs  of  him  is  great,  we  are  fatif- 
lied  he  hath  his  portion,  among  tho/e  that 
turn  7nany  to  right eoujnejs^   and  JJoine  as  the 
■  Jiars  forever  and  ever^ 

There 


(    29    )1 


SS^^SSS^: 


There  are  other  accounts  concerning  Tho- 
mas Janney,    from  which  it  appears,  that 
he  was  born  in  Chefhire,  and  received  the 
truth  about  the  year  1654,  and  the  twenty- 
firft  year  of  his  age.     In  1683  he  came  with 
his  family  into  Pennfylvania :  And  in  1695 
he  went  in  company  with  Griffith  Owen,  to 
vifit  his   brethren  in   England;    where,  in 
the  courfe  of  his  travels,  he  was  taken  ill  at 
Hitchin;    and   two   of  his    relations   from 
Chefliire,  going  thither  to  vifit  him,  he  faid 
to  one  of  them,     "  It  is  fome  exercife  to 
"  think  of  being  taken  away  fo  far  from 
*'  my  home  and  family,  and  alfo  from  my 
*'  friends  and  relations  in  Chefliire.     My 
"  care  hath  been  for  my  fons,    that  they 
"  may  be  kept  in  the  fear  of  God:     1  have 
"  been  a  good  example  to  them.     I  have  a 
"  care  upon  me,    that  they  may  be  kept 
"  humble  while  they  are  young,  that  they 
"  may  bend  their  necks  under  the  yoke  of 
**  Chrifl.  If  I  am  taken  away,  I  am  very  clear 
*'  in  my  fpirit,  I  have  anfwered  the  rcquir- 
"  ings  of  God.    I  have  been  faithful  in  my 
day,     and  I  have  nothing  that  troubles 
my  fpirit;    my  fpirit  is  very  clear."     He 
alfo  exprefTed  his  concern  for  his  brethren 
of  the  miniftry,  efpecially  the  young,    that 
they  might  obferve  the  leadings  of  God's 
fpirit  in  their  miniftry,    and  not  lean  upon 
their  own  natural  parts.     After  this,  he  re- 
covered 


i( 


(  30  ) 
covered  fo  as  to  be  able  to  get  down  into 
Chefhire ;  but  after  fome  time  his  diiorder 
returning,  he  faid  to  his  filler,  **  If  it  be 
*'  the  will  of  God,  that  I  be  taken  away 
**  now,  I  am  well  content."  He  departed  in 
much  quietnefs  of  mind,  the  1 2th  of  the 
twelfth  month  1696,  and  was  buried  the 
i^th  of  the  fame  month,  in  friends  bury- 
ing place  in  Chelhire.  Aged  Hxty-three  years. 
A  public  minifter  41  years. 


Hugh  Roberts's  Tejl'imony  concerning  his  Bro- 
ther RosERT  Owen. 

E  was  one  that  feared  the  Lord  from 
his  youth,  being  convinced  of  the 
truth,  when  about  feventeen  years  of  age; 
lie  iovedthe  company  of  fuch  of  his  acquaint- 
ance as  were  moil  fubftantial  in  religion,  and 
was  alfo  beloved  by  them  and  all  fort  of 
people  that  knew  him,  being  greatly  help- 
ful to  his  brethren,  and  made  a  caufe  of 
gladnefs  to  thofe  that  were  his  fathers  in 
the  truth.  The  Lord  not  only  opened  his 
heart  like  Lydia's  formerly,  but  he  likewife 
opened  his  mouth  to  publilh  his  name  and 
truth  amongft  many,  travelling  feveral  times 
through  his  native  country  AVales,  where 
he  Vk'as  of  good  fervice.  In  1690,  he  came 
into  Pcnnlylvania,  where  he  lived  about 
{•^ven  years,  viiicing  this  and  the  adjacent 
province?,   and  was  alfo  very  ufeful  in   the 

meeting 


(    31     ) 

meeting  where  he  refided,  both  in  docflrine 
alid  dif'cipline ;  he  was  indeed  a  ftrong  pil- 
lar in  the  church:  I  never  faw  him  take 
part  with  a  wrong  thing :  Oh  the  want  of 
him  which  1  feel!  his  place  is  yet  empty, 
I  pray  God,  if  it  be  his  will,  to  fill  it  up. 
Oh  my  brother,  my  dear  companion! 
how  can  they  that  knew  thy  faithfuinefs  to 
truth,  do  lefs  than  leave  a  memorial  to  fuc- 
ceeding  generations  ?  for  thy  name  is  wor- 
thy to  be  recorded  in  Ifrael.  He  was  a  man 
of  peace  and  hated  all  appearance  of  con- 
tention, and  indeed  he  was  a  fldlful  peace- 
maker, being  endued  with  wifdom  and  au- 
thority, yet  full  of  mercy  and  compaflion 
unto  every  appearance  of  good.  His  removal 
is  a  great  lofs  unto  us  who  are  left.  Well 
my  dear  brother,  in  the  remembrance  of 
thee,  and  the  many  good  and  precious  op- 
portunities we  have  had  together,  my  foul 
is  bowed  and  ready  to  fay,  I  fliall  never 
have  the  like  companion,  fo  fitted  and  knit 
together  in  every  refpecft ;  the  more  I  con- 
lider  my  lofs  of  thee,  the  greater  it  appears; 
therefore  conclude  this  my  teflimony,  and 
return  to  my  own  work  and  fervice,  that  I 
may  be  prepared  to  follow  after  thee. 

HUGH  ROBERTS. 

He  died  the  8^/j  of  the  fifth  month,  1697, 
and  was  interr'd  the  loth  of  the  fame,  in 
friends  burying  ground  at  Merion  in  Penn- 
fylvania. 

Rowland 


(      32      ) 

Rowland  Ellis's  TeJ^imony  concerning 'Rob'ERT 
Owen  before  mentioned,  and  JAt^E  hiswije. 

WHEN    I  think  of  former  times  and 
days  that  are  over  and  gone,  where- 
in the  Lord  vifited  a  remnant  by  the  gather- 
ing hand  of  his  power,  in   the  land  of  our 
nativity,  to  wait  for  the  renewing  of  his 
love  from  one  meeting  to  another,    to  our 
great  refrefhment  and  daily  encouragement, 
to  run  our  race  through  many  trials  within 
and  without:     The  Lord  whom  we  waited 
for,  hath  been  the  ftrength  of  his  people  in 
this  our  age  and  generation,  as  in   all  by 
paft  ages.     80   the   remembrance  of  thofe 
days  and  times,    and   that  near  fellowfhip 
which  was  between  the  little  remnant  in  that 
part  of  the  country,  is  at  prelent  brovight 
to  my  view;  tho'  moft  of  the  ancients  that 
bore  the  heat  of  the  day  are  now  removed, 
yet  methinks  their  names  and  worthy  acfts 
Ihould  be  had  in  remembrance,  that  gene- 
rations  to  come  might  fee  and  underiland, 
by  what  inftruments  the  Lord  was  plealed 
to  carry   on   his  work,  by  making  a  clear 
difcovery  of  the  good   way   once  loft  in  the 
night  of  apcilacy ;  amongft  whom  were  my 
dear  friends  Robert  Owen  and  Jane  his  wife. 
And  altho'  we  are  not  to  fet  up  or  praife  that 
in  man  or  woman  which   perifheth,     but 
becaufe  they  made  choice  of  the  better  and 
mofl  durable  fubftance,  therefore  their  names 
ihall  be  had  in  remembrance. 

He 


(    33    ) 

He  was  defcended  of  a  very  ancient  and 
(according  to  the  worlds  account)  one  of 
the  greatelt  families  in  thofe  parts,  having- 
by  his  father  a  competent  inheritance,  and 
in  all  his  time  had  the  right  hand  among 
his  equals ;  brought  up  a  fcholar,  quick  in 
apprehenfion,  and  whatever  he  took  in  hand 
he  did  it  with  all  his  might.  He  was  zeal- 
oufly  devoted  to  religion,  and  a  great  fearch- 
er  for  the  pearl  of  great  price  ;  being  one  of 
the  firfl  in  our  parts  who  fought  after  it; 
and  having  found  it,  he  fold  all  to  purchafe 
the  fame. 

After  King  Charles  II  came  to  the  crown, 
he  fuffered  live  years  dole  imprifonment, 
for  not  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  and 
fupremacy,  being  confined  at  the  town 
of  Dolgelly,  in  Merionethfhire,  North 
Wales,  within  about  a  mile  from  his  dwell- 
ing houfe,  to  which  he  was  not  permitted 
to  go  during  the  faid  time:  And  it  was  ob- 
ferved,  that  the  perfon  who  had  the  great- 
efi:  hand  in  profecuting  him,  was  vifited 
with  ficknefs,  when  remorfe  of  confcience 
feized  fo  hard  upon  him,  that  he  could  find 
neither  reft  nor  eafe,  until  he  fent  a  fpecial 
melTenger  to  releafe  him. 

And  concerning  his  wife  Jane  Owen.  She 
was  daughter  of  a  juftice  of  peace,  a  man 
of  great  integrity  and  exceeding  moll  of  his 
rank  at  that  time.  She  was  a  woman  rare- 
ly endowed  with  many  natural  gifts,  being 
an  help- meet  to  her  hufband  in  his  exercifes, 
folid  in  her  deportment,  and  not  given  to 
D  many 


(  34  ) 
many  v/ords.  In  all  their  exerclfes  together 
for  the  truth's  fake,  they  did  not  Ihrink  nor 
give  way  for  fear  or  flattery;  not  only  their 
hearts,  but  their  houfe  was  open  to  all  upon 
truth's  account;  meetings  being  held  there- 
in for  many  years.  They  were  ferviceable 
in  their  places  and  much  beloved  in  their 
native  land,  where  having  borne  their  fliare 
of  the  heat  of  the  day,  they  embark'd  there- 
from in  the  fifth  month  1690,  and  came 
into  Pennfylvania,  where  they  finiflied  their 
courfe,  and  were  buried  within  a  few  days 
ot  each  other. 


John  Sevan's   Tejlimony  concerning  Hugh 
Roberts. 

TRUTH  in  the  inward  parts  God  loves, 
and  thofe  that  love  it  and  give  way  to 
the  operation  thereof,  are  made  precious 
and  lovely  in  the  fight  of  God,  and  he 
makes  them  inftrumental  in  his  hand  for 
the  good  of  others  ;  among  whom  was  my 
dear  friend  and  brother  Hugh  Roberts  de- 
ceafed,  who  was  qualified  by  God's  power, 
to  be  a  ferviceable  inftrument  to  the  church- 
es of  Chrift  in  our  parts  of  America,  He 
came  to  this  country  about  iB  years  fince; 
we  were  near  neighbours  and  entirely  loved 
each  other,  not  having  had  a  crofs  word, 
nor  1  believe  an  hard  thought  one  of  ano- 
ther, at  any  time  fince  our  firft  acquaint- 
ance. 


{     35     ) 

^nce.  Having  pafTed  through  many  trials 
and  exercifes,  he  could  by  experience  fpeak 
a  word  in  feafon  for  the  encouragement  of 
weary  travellers;  his  dodlrine  often  "  drop- 
ping as  the  dew,  and  difhilling  as  the  fmall 
rain  upon  the  tender  plants,"  for  in  the 
openings  of  life,  ''  things  new  and  old'* 
came  forth  of  the  treafury  of  wifdom,  which 
gladned  our  hearts  and  comforted  our  fpi- 
rits  in  a  fenfe  of  God's  love,  who  is  the 
author  of  all  good  to  his  people.  He  was 
zealous  for  good  order  in  the  church,  fer- 
viceable  in  the  difcipline,  and  flcilful  in  ac- 
commodating differences.  And  it  is  my  de- 
fire,  that  we,  efpecially  of  that  meeting  he 
belonged  to,  and  the  adjacent  meetings, 
which  mofcly  received  the  benefit  and  ad- 
vantage of  his  labour  of  love,  may  lay  to 
heart  and  confider  our  lofs  of  him,  and  in 
the  fenfe  thereof,  may  breathe  and  cry  un- 
to the  Lord,  who  is  the  repairer  of  breach- 
es, to  raife  vip  inftruments  in  his  room,  for 
carrying  on  of  his  great  work  that  he  hath 
begun  in  the  earth,  to  his  own  praife,  who 
is  alone  worthy  of  the  fame  forever. — 
I  was  twice  with  him  over  fea,  and  in  many 
places  in  our  native  land,  alfo  in  Maryland, 
and  in  his  laft  journey  to  viht  friends  on 
Long-Iiland,  Rhode-liland  and  New-Eng- 
land, where  he  had  good  fervice.  And 
though  he  was  often  very  weakly,  yet  his 
heart  was  bent  to  accomplilli  the  work  the 
Lord  laid  upon  him,  whicn  he  was  enabled 
to  perform  to  his  great  comfort  and  iatis- 
fadion.  D  2  On 


(    36    ) 

On  our  return  homeward,  being  lick  and 
in  much  pain,  at  the  houfe  of  our  friend 
John  Rodman,  on  Long-Ifland,  he  faid  «o- 
thing  lies  in  my  ivay  as  an  ohftruclion  to  hinder 
my  peace  and  'u^ell  being  with  God.  He  after- 
wards came  home,  and  a  few  days  before 
his  departure,  a  dear  friend  taking  leave  of 
him  faid,  *'  I  beUeve  thy  deep  trials  and 
exercifes  are  near  at  an  end,  and  that  peace 
and  joy  everlafling  will  be  thy  portion  from 
the  Lord."  In  much  brokennels  of  hearc 
and  fenfe  of  the  fweet  prefence  of  God  up- 
on his  fpirit,  he  anfwered,  /  am  fatisfed 
thereof^  and  can  blefs  my  God  for  it. 

He  died  the  i8//7of  thefixth  month  1702, 
and  on  the  10th  was  interred  at  Merion,  af- 
ter which  a  large  meeting  was  held,  where- 
in the  Lord's  prefence  was  fweetly  enjoyed, 
and  feveral  living  teilimonies  borne  con- 
cerning his  faithful nefs  to  God  and  friends 
fatisfad;ion  of  his  eternal  well-being. 

'JOHN  BEVAN. 


Margaret    Minfliell's     Teflimony    concerning 
John  Si  m  c  o  c  k. 

IT  E  w^as  a  nurfing  father  in  Ifrael,  tender 
.  jL  over  the  feed  of  God,  and  wherever  he 
faw  it  in  the  leail  appearance  he  was  a  cheriili- 
erof  it  without  relpecl  of  perfons;  bat  he  ab- 
horred deceit  and  hypocrify,   I  have  known 

him 


(     37    ) 

him  near  forty  years,  and  may  fay  that  his 
miiiillry  was  found,  edifying  and  helpful 
to  myfelf  and  many  others,  he  being  endu- 
ed with  a  fpirit  of  difcerning,  and  wifdom 
beyond  many  in  fpiritual  things.  He  was  a 
great  fufFerer  in  Old  England,  for  truth's 
fake,  both  by  imprifonments  and  lofs  of 
goods.  He  travelled  pretty  much  in  truth's 
fervice,  and  notwithftanding  all  his  fuf- 
ferings,  he  was  no  ways  chargeable  to  any, 
but  rather  helpful  to  thofe  that  flood  in 
need. 

MARGARET  MINSHELL, 

In  Jofeph  BeiFe's  hiftory  of  friends  fuf- 
ferings,  are  fome  accounts  of  thofe  fuflain- 
ed  by  the  aforefaid  John  Simcock,  and  of 
his  pious,  meek  difpolition  towards  his  op- 
prefTors.  Once  he  was  imprifoned  a  year 
and  three  months,  for  accompanying  his 
wife  to  a  fteeple  houfe,  for  a  fign  and  tefti- 
mony  againft  their  falfe  ways  and  worfhips. 
His  perfecutors  at  different  times,  diltrain- 
ed  from  him  to  the  amount  of  feveral  hun- 
dred pounds  flerling,  for  preaching ;  taking 
nineteen  cattle  at  one  time,  and  twelve  at 
another,  befides  corn,  cheefe,  and  other 
goods  ;  all  which  he  bore  patiently.  Once 
when  they  were  driving  away  his  cows,  his 
fervant  maid,  who  did  not  profefs  amongft 
friends,  faid  to  him,  "  Mailer,  how  can 
you  (land  by  and  fee  them  drive  away  fa 
many  cattle  ?"  He  replied,  it  did  not  trouble 
him  any  more  than  if  they  hcid  drqve  aivay  fo 
many  geefe.  He 


(     38     ) 

He  removed  to  Pennfylvania  in  early 
times,  and  fettled  in  Chefter  county;  and 
when  the  fpirit  of  divifion  began  to  appear 
in  George  Keith,  he  was  acflive  in  vifiting 
him,  to  endeavour  to  recover  him;  and 
when  the  labour  of  friends  in  that  refped: 
proved  inefFe6lual,  he  joined  fteadily  with 
faithful  friends  in  telHfying  againfl  the  faid 
George  Keith  and  his  party. 

In  the  time  of  his  laft  ficknefs,  he  appear'd 
to  be  in  a  heavenly  frame  of  mind,  and  ut- 
ter'd  many  lively  expreflions :  At  one  time 
he  faid,  **  1  have  had  many  hard  befet- 
"  ments  with  the  enemy  of  my  foul  fince 
"  I  knew  the  truth,  and  have  been  in  many 
*'  flraits,  and  great  combats  and  bufferings 
*.*  for  the  trial  of  my  faith ;  but  the  keeper 
"  of  Ifrael  is  near  to  all  them  that  wait  up- 
*'  on  him,  and  truly  put  their  trull  in  him, 
*'  and  their  faith  is  made  ftrong  in  him, 
**  whereby  they  are  enabled  to  make  war 
*'  againft  the  adverfary  of  fouls,  and  to 
*'  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  for  whom 
"  is  laid  up  a  crown  of  eternal  and  endlefs 
'*  joy,  peace  and  heavenly  comfort  and  glo- 
**  ry.  And  now  I  may  fay  in  truth,  that 
"  I  have  kept  this  living  faith,  in  which 
**  my  foul  hath  renewed  caufe  to  magnify 
**  the  name  of  my  holy  Redeemer,  and 
*'  powerful  Saviour  Chrifl  Jefiis,  in  whom 
*'  my  faith  hath  been  made  ftrong  at  this 
*'  time."  The  day  before  his  departure, 
his  wife  and  Ion,  with  ibme  other  friends  be- 
ing prefentj  he  bore  a  living  teilimony  to  the 

neceflity 


(     39     ) 

neceiTity  of  dwelling  in  love,  even  that  holy 
love  which  labours  for  the  peace,  welfare 
and  everlafting  good  of  all ;  concluding  in 
thefe  words,  *'  And  now  1  defire  my  love 
may  be  remembred  to  friends  in  general, 
and  it  is  the  defire  and  earnefl  prayer  of 
my  foul,  that  the  heavenly  fpring  of  time 
love  and  flream  of  divine  life,  may  ever 
be  known  to  fpring  and  run  amongfl 
thofe  who  would  be  accounted  children 
of  God,  and  followers  of  Chrifl  Jefus 
our  bleiTed  Lord  and  eternal  Saviour,  who 
laid  down  his  life  to  be  a  ranfom  for  fall- 
en man,  and  to  be  an  atonement  for  all 
them  that  would  come  to  God  by  him, 
who  is  the  living  word  and  J)romiled  feed 
of  the  covenant." 
He  died  fhe  2']th  of  the  firft  month,  1703. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Derby  Monthly-Meeting ^  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Eleanor 
Smith,   ivife  of  John  Smith. 

SH  E  was  born  at  Harborough,  in  Lei- 
ceilerfliire.  Old  England,  her  maiden 
name  was  Eleanor  Dolby.  She  received  the 
truth  about  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  and 
lived  and  died  therein,  being  a  religious  ex- 
emplary woman,  and  fome  years  before  her 
death  was  concern'd  in  a  public  teftimony. 
A  little  before  her  departure,  defiring  that 
her  hufband  and  children  fliould  come  and 

fit 


(C 


(C 


(    40    ) 

fit  down  by  her,  Ihe  fpoke  as  follows,  "  I 
**  entreat  you  my  children  to  walk  foberly, 
*'  plainly  and  keep  to  the  truth,  and  the 
**  Lord  will  provide  for  you  every  way  be- 
yond your  expecflation.  I  am  clear  of 
you,  having  done  the  part  of  a  tender 
mother  to  you :  I  leave  and  commit  you 
to  the  Lord,  who  is  able  to  keep  you  to 
the  end  of  your  days." — She  defned  them 
not  to  mourn  if  it  fhoud  pleafe  God  to  remove 
her  from  amongft  them,  faying,  "  It  will  be 
*'  my  great  gain."  Often  repeating  her  full 
affu ranee  of  future  happinefs,  adding,  "  I. 
* '  can  praife  thy  name  O  Lord  in  the  midfl  of 
*'  affli(5lion,  for  furely  thou  art  worthy  of  all 
*'  praife,  honour  and  glory,  and  that  forever 
* '  more ;  for  thou  neither  leavefl  nor  forfakefl: 
*'  thofe  that  put  their  truil  in  thee."  Then 
faid,  "  Dear  children  be  content,  for  I  fliall 
"  die  in  favour  with  God,  and  true  love  and 
"  unity  with  his  people."  She  delired  to  be 
diiToived,  faying,  *'  I  can  freely  give  up  huf- 
*'  band  and  children  and  all  this  world,  to  be 
"  with  the  Lord,  whofe  prefence  I  feel  flow- 
*'  ing  as  a  river  into  my  foul." 

She  died  the  i  oth  day  of  the  feventh  month 
1708,  aged  fifty-five  years. 

In  the  time  of  her  lalf  illnefs,  flie  wrote 
the  following  epiftle  to  the  monthly-meeting 
of  women  friends  at  Derby,  viz. 

Dear  Sijlcrs^ 

Herewith  I  fend  you  the  la  ft  falutation  of 
my  love,  with  whom  1  have   been  many 

times 


(     41     ) 

times  refrefhed  and  truly  comforted.  I  fay 
I  have  travelled  with  you  through  various 
exercifes  and  difficulties,  when  the  Lord 
has  been  fometimes  pleafed  to  give  us  (as  it 
were)  the  bread  of  adverfity  to  eat,  and  the 
■water  of  afflidlion  to  drink ;  yet  bleffed  be 
his  name,  he  has  fweetened  our  cups  many 
times  as  with  honey,  and  fuftained  us  as 
with  the  oil  of  the  crufe;  and  by  his  fweet 
prefence  caufed  our  cups  to  overflow,  to  the 
praife  of  his  great  name.  Wherefore,  dear 
fifters,  I  entreat  you  to  dwell  in  the  love  of 
God,  which  love  is  the  bond  of  peace.  Let 
charity  be  found  to  dwell  amongft  you,  and 
then  I  do  believe,  you  will  be  neither  bar- 
ren nor  unfruitful,  but  your  branches  laden 
with  good  and  weighty  fruit,  which  will 
find  acceptance  with  God.  So  no  more,  but 
my  tender  love  to  you  in  the  blelTed  truth. 
I  take  my  leave  and  bid  you  farewell  in  the 
Lord,     The  laft  from  your  loving  filler, 

ELEANOR  SMITH. 


The  following  Tejlimony  concerning  Henry 
White,  is  from  the  committee  oj  the  Yearly 
Meeting  in  North  Carolina. 

E  was  a  minifter  of  the  gofpel  and  a 
faithful  friend,  whole  chriflian  con- 
duct and  loving  behaviour  tovNrards  the  In- 
dians, who  were  numerous  in  thefe  parts  at 
that  time,  was  fuch,  as  we  have  been  credi- 
bly 


H 


(    42    ) 

bly  informed,  not  only  procured  him  great 
efteem  and  refpect  from  them,  but  for  his 
fake  they  fliewed  great  love  and  tendernefs 
towards  others  in  the  infant  fettlement  of 
thefe  parts. 

He  dweh  in  Pafquotank  county,  and  died 
the  3 J  of  the  eighth  month  171 2,  aged 
^bout  feventy-feven  years. 


A  Tejl'imony  from  Derby  Monthly- Meetings  in 
Pennfyl vania,  concerning  John  SiMITh. 

HE  was  born  in  Licefterfliire,  in  Old 
England  in  1645,  and  was  convinced 
of  the  truth  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years, 
and  being  faithful  thereto,  after  fome  time 
he  came  forth  in  the  miniftry.  He  was  an 
early  fettler  in  Pennfylvanla,  where  he  was 
well  beloved.  Being  taking  fick,  he  was 
vifited  by  many  friends ;  and  about  tw^o  days 
before  his  departure,  being  afl^ed  how  he 
did,  he  anfv/ered,  "  I  am  very  poorly  and 
"  weak  indeed,  but  much  eafier  than  1  have 
**  been,  for  I  was  extreme  ill,  fo  fick  and 
*'  full  of  pain,  fuch  as  I  never  had  under- 
"  gone  before;  fo  that  I  could  not  retire  in 
*'  my  mind  to  God,  my  extremity  was  fo 
great ;  but  nov/  the  Lord  has  been  pleaf- 
ed  to  give  me  eafe,  fo  that  I  can  Hay  my 
**  mind  on  him,  for  which  1  am  truly  thank- 
*'  ful:  And  now  I  feel  the  frefli  remem-^ 
^'  brance  or  renewings  of  the  love  of  God, 

**  flowing 


«' 


(    43    ) 

^'  flowing  into  my  heart,  which  is  of  much 
*^  more  comfort  to  my  foul  than  all  tranli- 
*'  tory  things  that  are  here  below.     Now  I 
**  feel  his  living  divine  prefence  is  with  me, 
*'  which  bears  up  my  fpirit  over  that  which 
**  flefli  and  blood  would  or  could  not  be 
**  able  to  bear."      Shortly  after,  a   friend 
taking  leave  of  him,  afked  him  if  he  thought 
he  lliould  recover,    "  That   (faid  he)  I  am 
*'  not  worthy  to  know,  however  I  am  con- 
*'  tent ;    and  this  I  know,  that  if  we  abide 
"  faithful  to  God  to  the  end,    w^e  fhall  re- 
''  celve  a  godly  portion,  fo  farewell,  and 
"  the  Lord  go  along  with  thee."     At  ano- 
ther time  he  faid,     ''  He  was  full  of  pain, 
*'  yet  he  could  fing  of  the  m.ercy  and  good- 
**  nefs  of  God  to  his   foul  in  the  midfh  of 
"  afflicflion."      Afterwards  adding,    "  Do 
**  not  mourn  for  me,  but  be  ftill  and  quiet, 
*'  and  let  me  pafs  away  quietly,  that  fo  my 
**  foul  may  enter  into  God's  everlafting  reft ; 
•'  for  my  confcience  is  clear  from  guilt  in 
*'  the  face  of  all  men."    Saying,    **  Come 
*'  Lord  Jefus,  receive  my  foul,  thy  fervant 
'*  is  ready,  come  quickly.''     This  he  fpoke 
in  great  freflmefs  and  cheerfulnefs  of  fpirit, 
faying,  **  Now  1  think  I  am  near  my  end;" 
but  reviving  again,  he  fat  up,  and  his  chil- 
dren being  prefent,  he  faid  to  them,"    **  I 
*'  v/as  never  covetous  to  get  a  great  deal  of 
**  this  world's  riches,  but  I  have  endeavour- 
*'  ed  to  bring  you  up  in  the  fear  of   the 
*'  Lord,  and  educate  you  in  the  way  of  his 
■*  truth  to  the  beft  of  m.y  underftanding; 

'*  and 


ec 


(( 


<( 


{    44    ) 

and  if  you  do  but  wait  upon  the  Lord  in 
the  lincerity  of  your  hearts,  for  the  drop- 
ping down  of  the  love  ot  God  upon  your 
Ibuis  in  the  meetings  and  gatherings  of 
the  Lord's  people,  he  will  ihed  his  blef- 
fings  amonglt  you;  for  he  hath  been  and 
is  a  father  to  the  fatherlefs,  and  as  a  hui- 
*'  band  to  the  widow."  This  he  fpoke  juft 
before  his  departure,  being  frefli  in  fpirit, 
and  perfect  in  fenfe  and  memory  to  the  laft 
hour. 

He  died  the  i  \th  day  of  the  twelfth  month 
1714,  aged  fixty-nine  years  and  four  months. 


A  Tejlhnony  from  theTearly- Meeting  of  friends 
in  Virginia,  concerning  Benjamin  Jor- 
dan. 

HE  was  born  the  18//7  of  the  leventh 
month  1674,  in  Nancemond  county 
in  Virginia,  of  believing  parents,  who  were 
careful  to  educate  their  children  in  the  blef- 
fed  truth  for  which  they  fuffered,  whofe  ex- 
amples, together  with  the  influence  of  grace, 
were  fancfified  unto  this  our  friend  as  well 
as  feveral  others  of  their  numerous  offspring. 
He  was  a  man  who  gave  up  much  of  his 
time  in  waiting  upon  God  and  fervices  for 
the  church,  being  clerk  both  to  the  month- 
ly and  yearly  meeting ;  was  a  good  example 
of  piety  and  charity,  and  kept  his  integrity 
to  the  laft. 

The 


(    45    ) 

The  day  before  he  died,  feveral  neigh- 
bours coming  to  fee  him,  one  of  them  be- 
ing in  a  flourifhing  (late  as  to  the  world,  to 
whom  the  way  of  truth  feemed  too  low  and 
defpicable,  he  faid,  "  Rejoice  O  young 
"  man,  in  thy  youth,  and  let  thy  heart 
"  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and 
*'  walk  in  the  ways  of  thy  heart,  and  in 
*'  the  fight  of  thine  eyes :  But  know  thou, 
**  that  for  all  thefe  things  God  will  bring 
**  thee  into  judgment."  He  looked  upon 
another  who  feemed  to  be  under  fome  con- 
vincement  of  truth,  but  did  not  live  in 
obedience,  and  faid,  "  BlefTed  are  they  that 
"  hear  the  word  of  God  and  do  it."  And 
to  another  that  appeared  to  have  fought  af- 
ter the  honour  of  this  world  more  than  the 
Lord's  honour,  he  faid,  "  He  looked  too 
"  big  to  enter  in  at  the  ftrait  gate,"  He 
gave  particular  dire(5lions  concerning  the 
place  and  manner  of  his  burial,  defiring 
that  no  more  provifion  might  be  made  than 
was  fuflicient,  having,  whilft  in  health, 
borne  a  teftimony  againft  making  fuch  a 
time,  a  time  of  feafting  inftead  of  mourn- 
ing. One  of  .his  brothers  afldng  him  how 
it  was  with  him,  he  replied,  "  As  to  my 
"  eternal  ftace,  nothing  but  well."  Soon 
after,  holding  up  his  hands  and  looking  up- 
wards, he  faid,  '*  Lord  Jefus,  into  thy 
*'  hands  I  commit  my  fpirit,  Lord  help  me 
"  at  this  time,"  And  fo  departed  in  quiet- 
nefs,  the  izth  of  the  twelfth  month  171 6, 
aged  about  forty-two  years* 

A  Tejlimony 


(    46    ) 

A  Tejihnony  from  friends  //i  Virginia,  concern- 
ing Elizabeth  Small  ivife  of  Benja- 
min Small,  of  Nancemond  county. 

SH  E  was  born  the  3  ijt  of  the  fixth  month 
1666.  Her  parents  Edmund  and  Eliza- 
beth Betfon,  were  pious  friends  and  zealous 
for  the  truth,  whofe  care  in  the  educatiori 
of  their  children,  had  the  delired  effedt  oil 
this  our  much  efteenied  friend ;  for  being 
obedient  to  the  manifeftation  of  divine  light, 
it  fo  imoroved  a  tender,  alfedlionate  and  af- 
fable  difpolition^  that  flie  became  qualified 
for  and  endowed  with  an  excellent  and  ac- 
ceptable gift  in  the  miniftry,  fo  as  fuitably 
CO  difpenfe  docflrine,  edification  and  confo-' 
lation  to  the  churches.  She  was  very  dili- 
gent in  attending  meetings  of  friends  in  this 
colony,  even  beyond  what  could  be  reafon- 
ably  expelled  from  fo  weakly  a  conftituti- 
on,  and  was  earneil:  in  and  much  devoted 
to 'the  caufe  of  truth,  greatly  defiring  the 
growth  and  profperity  thereof,  faying,  '*  She 
*'  could  lay  down  her  natural  life  for  it,  if 
**  required."  She  was  a  woman  of  a  gene- 
rous and  kind  difpofition,  as  well  in  help- 
ing the  poor  as  entertaining  of  friends,  fay- 
ing (to  fuch  as  were  ready  to  think  Ihe  would 
do  more  than  her  circumflan^es  would  ad- 
mit of)  that  llle  hoped  the  Lord  would  io 
provide  for  her,  that  Ihe  lliould  never  want 
what  was  convenient,  having  never  defired 
long  life  or  riches  for  herfelf  or  children, 
but  that  they  might  live  in  his' fear. 

She 


(     47     ) 

8he  was  taken  ill  the  i  ijl  of  the  feventh 
month  1 7 17,  being  the  firft  day  of  the  year- 
ly-meeting at  Chackatuk,  which  gave  op- 
portunity to  divers  friends  from  different 
parts  of  the  country  to  vifit  her,  to  whom 
Ihe  lignified  her  peace  of  mind  and  fubmif- 
fion  to  the  divine  will,  faying  among  other 
things,  "  If  the  Lord  has  any  more  work 
*'  for  me  to  do,  he  can  raife  me  up  again; 
*'  otherwife  I  am  eafy  and  freely  refigned 
**  to  his  will,"  To  a  beloved  relation  llie 
faid,  "  Dear  coufin,  thou  art  bone  of  my 
**  bone  and  flelh  of  my  fleih;  live  in  the 
*'  fear  of  the  Lord,  that  every  high  thought 
**  may  be  brought  down."  To  two  friends 
belonging  to  a  diftant  meeting  which  Ihe 
had  often  vifited,  fhe  faid,  "  I  have  not 
*'  ceafed  to  admonifli  you  heretofore,  and 
"  now  again  defire  you  would  be  valiant 
*'  for  the  truth  and  walk  fteadily  therein, 
"  and  remember  my  dear  love  to  friends  of 
*'  the  meeting  to  which  you  belong."  Shs 
often  fpoke  to  friends,  "  To  be  fteadfaft  in 
"  the  truth ;"  And  once  to  a  public  friend 
belonging  to  the  fame  meeting,  earneftly 
deiiring  him  '*  To  be  valiant  for  the  good 
"  caufe."  She  told  her  fon  William,  *'  She 
*'  hoped  that  that  day  would  be  a  good  one 
"  to  her,"  And  faid  '*  She  had  prayed  for 
*'  an  eafy  paffage ;"  And  accordingly  flio 
quietly  departed  the  i^th  of  the  feventh 
month  aforefaid,  aged  fifty-two,  a  miniiler 
about  1 1  years. 

An 


(    48     ) 

An  account  of  Ellis  Pugh,  extraclcd from  a 
teftimony  from  Gwynedd  Monthly- Meeting 
concerning  hhn^  and  alfo  from  a  floort  Jum- 
mary  of  his  iife^  both  of  which  are  prefixed 
to  a  hook  he  wrote^  called  A  falutation  to 
theBritains,  i)'C, 

ELLIS  PUGH  was  born  in  the  parifh 
of  DolgcUy,  in  the  county  of  Merion- 
eth, and  dominion  of  Wales,  in  the  fixth 
month  1656.  His  parents  were  religious 
people;  but  his  father  died  before  he  was 
born,  and  his  mother  a  few  days  after.  In 
the  days  of  his  youth,  when  going  with 
the  multitude  into  folly,  it  pleaied  God  by 
his  judgment,  to  ftand  in  his  way,  and 
caufed  him  to  coniider  the  things  that  be- 
longed to  his  foul's  everlafting  peace.  And 
in  the  eighteenth  year  of  his  age,  the  Lord 
vifited  him  more  eminently,  kindling  a  zeal 
in  him  to  ferve  his  Creator  more  diligently; 
having  been  alio  reached  by  the  teltimony 
of  John-ap-John,  one  of  the  people  called 
Quakers. 

God  who  promifed  to  be  a  father  to  the 
fatherlefs,  took  care  of  him ;  and  about  the 
year  1680,  gave  him  a  part  in  the  miniflry 
of  the  gofpel  of  Chrift,  (notwithflanding  he 
was  not  one  of  the  wife  of  this  world,  nor 
had  human  learning)  yet  he  was  made  a 
profitable  inftrument  to  turn  divers  from 
vanity,  and  to  exhort  and  ilrengthen  many 

in 


(    49     ) 

311  their  fplritual  journey,  in  his  native  land, 
and  alfo  in  this  country  where  he  finifhed 
his  courfe. 

In  the  year  1686,  he  and  his  family,  with 
divers  of  his  acquaintance  prepared  to  come 
over  to  Pennfylvania,  and  whilft  they  wait- 
ed for  the  fliip  to  be  ready,  there  came  great 
trouble  and  exercife  upon  him,  fo  that  he 
was  iick  for  fome  days ;   in  which  flrait  the 
Lord  fhewed  him,  that  they  fhould   meet 
with  troubles  and  exercifes  in  their  way,  and 
that  he  had  a  work  for  him  in  that  country, 
and  muft  return  again  to  his  native  land. 
After   they  fiiled,    they  met  with  (lorms, 
flraits  and  troubles ;  and  having  been  vipon 
the  tempeftuous  fea  all  winter,  they  arrived 
at  Barbados,  where  they  were  joyfully  and 
lovingly  received  by  their  friends,  and  the 
fummer  following,  in  the  year  1687,  they 
arrived  in  Pennfylvania;     where   this  our 
friend  was  a  ferviceable  inftrument  in  the 
Lord's  hand,   to  clierifli  and  inftrudl  us,  in 
meeknefs  and  tendernefs,  to  obey  that  which. 
God  made  known  unto  us  of  his  will,  and 
to  follow  and  underftand  the  operation  of 
his  fpirit,  difcovering  to  us  the  fnares  of  the 
enemy    of  our   fouls.      His  pious    labours 
(among  others  that  were  fitted  for  the  fame 
fervicc)  have  been    profitable   in  diredling 
and  edifying  us  in  the  Vv'ay  of  truth;  for 
by  the  tendernefs  and  influence  which  came 
as  dew  upon  our  fouls  while  we  fat  under 
his  minillry,  we  believed  his  doclrine  was 
of  God. 

E  111 


(     50    ) 
In  the  year  1706  he  was  engaged  to  vi{i€ 
the  inhabitants  of  his  native  country,  ac- 
cording to  what  the  Lord  revealed  unto  him 
before  he  came  from  thence ;  which  fervice 
he  performed   to  the  benefit  and  acceptance 
of  many,    and   returned   to  his   family  in 
1708.     After  he   came  home,  three  of  his 
children,  in  the  flower  of  their  age,  who 
from  their  youth  walked  orderly  and  were 
hopeful,    died  within  one   month;    in  the 
time  of  vehich  trial  the  Lord  was  near  un- 
to him;    he  mourned  not  as  one  without 
hope.     Strength  v^as  given  him  to  bear  his 
afBidlion.   He  faid  in  a  public  meeting  *Mf 
he  could  bear  his   a£Hi(ftion  acceptably   in 
the  fight  of  God,  it  would  be  as  marrow 
to  his  bones:"     Which  teftimony,  amongft 
feveral  other  things,  was  to  the  edification 
and  comfort  of  the  hearers.     His  refidence 
Was  then  nearer  to  us  than  before,  which 
render'd  his  life  and  converfation  more  con- 
spicuous, and  his  fellowfliip  more  known 
vmto  us.     His  miniflry  was  living,  profit- 
able and  to  edification.     He  was  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  fpirit,  confiderate  and  folid  in  his 
judgment,  of  few  words,  honeft  and  care- 
ful in  his  calling  ;  and  leveral  were  induced 
to  fpeak  of  the  benefit  they  received  by  his 
chaife  converfation,  and  his  loving  and  com- 
fortable expreilions  while  he  was  amongil 
them  in  their  families.    He  was  honourable 
among  his  friends  and  of  good  report  among 
all  ^people  generally,  therefore  his   memory 
will  not  foon  wear  out. 

He 


(    5/     ) 

He  was  in  a  declining  (late  of  bodily 
health  about  a  year  and  three  months  before 
his  deceafe,  fo  that  he  was  not  well  able  to 
follow  his  calling;  but  his  candle  Ihined 
brighter,  as  may  be  feen  by  peruhng  his 
treatife,  called  **  A  falutation  to  the  Bri- 
"  tains ;"  which  he  wrote  in  his  own  lan- 
guage, in  the  time  of  his  long  ficknefs,  when 
his  view  was  towards  that  which  pertains 
to  eternity,  more  efpecially  to  thofe,  or  for 
the  fake  of  thofe  to  whom  the  falutation  of 
his  life  reached  over  fea  and  land,  for  the 
encouragement  and  inftrucflion  of  them  that 
were  fceking  the  way  to  Sion,  the  New  Je- 
rufalem,  the  city  of  the  Great  King,  whofe 
walls  and  bulwarks  are  falvation. 

The  lafb  meeting  he  was  at  among  us,  he 
was  weak  in  body,  but  fervent  in  fpirit,  as 
one  taking  his  laft  leave  in  a  great  deal  of 
love  and  tendernefs,  faying,  that  the  Lord, 
granted  him  his  defire  to  come  and  vifit  us 
once  more;  putting  us  in  mind  to  live  in 
love  and  unity,  and  to  keep  out  from  amongft 
us  as  much  as  we  could,  all  ftrife  and  dif^ 
cord ;  and  when  any  thing  appeared  which 
had  a  tendency  thereunto,  that  hands  fliould 
be  laid  without  delay  to  end  it,  and  thac 
none  fhould  depend  upon  his  own  hand, 
eye,  or  balance  in  judgment. — He  was  fit- 
ted to  counfel  others,  becaufe  his  life  and 
converfation  was  anfwerable  to  his  teftimo- 
ny ;  amongft  his  family  tender  and  careful 
to  counfel  them  to  live  in  the  fear  of  God. 

We 
E  2 


(     5\    ) 

We  looked  upon  him  as  one  who  had 
finiflied  his  work,  that  the  time  of  his  dif^ 
foKition  drew  nigh:  And  that  he  might  fay 
in  the  words  of  Paul,  according  to  his  mea- 
fure,  *'  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have 
"  fmiflied  my  courfe,  I  have  kept  the  faith. 
"  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a 
"  crown  of  righteoufnefs,  which  the  Lord 
"  the  righteous  judge  fhall  give  me  at  that 
*'  day;  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all 
'*  them  alfo  that  love  his  appearing." 

Being  patient  in  his  tedious  indifpofition, 
and  contented  to  wait  the  Lord's  time;  he 
llept  with  his  fathers  on  the  3^/  day  of  the 
tenth  month  1718,  in  favour  with  God. 


The  follozving  Tejllmony  concernifig  William 
Haig,  ivas  fiirnijljed  by  a  cominittte  oj  the 
Yearly  Me  sting  of  North-Carolina. 

WILLIAM  HAIG  fenior  of  Pafquo- 
tank  county,  who  removed  from 
Antigua  with  his  family  and  fettled  in  this 
province,  was  of  a  loving  and  fweet  fpirit. 
In  his  laft  ficknefs^  as  fome  friends  were  fit- 
ting by  him,  he  w^as  filled  with  heavenly 
joy,  and  faid,  ''  Friends  1  am  g]ad  of  your 
*'  company,  I  feel  io  much  of  the  blefled 
*'  truth,  as  I  hope  will  carry  me  into  that 
"joy  where  I  Miall  praife  the  Lord  amongft 
*'  the  redeemed.  I  liear  that  truth  profpers 
**  mightily  in  England,  blcfiTed  be  the  Lord 

'*  for 


(     53    ) 

*^  for  it."  He  exhorted  all  his  children  with 
many  heavenly  expreffions,  took  his  folemn 
leave  of  them,  and  in  a  living  fenfe  of  truth, 
prayed  to  God  for  his  bleffing  upon  them ; 
charging  them  "  to  loye  and  obey  their 
"  mother,  learn  their  books  and  keep  to  the 
**  truth."  He  faid  to  his  wife,  *'  My  dear, 
"  thou  haft  been  a  true  wife  unto  me ;  when 
"  mv  mind  was  drawn  to  love  thee,  I  did 
*'  not  inquire  what  thou  hadft,  nor  thou 
*'  what  I  had,  but  we  came  together  in  love 
*'  and  we  have  lived  in  love."  And  when 
his  fpeech  was  very  low,  he  fpake  to  his 
wife  thus,  "  The  Lord  blefs  thee  and  my 
**  children,  God  Almighty  protect  you." 
To  a  young  woman  who  came  to  vifit  hini 
he  laid,  "  Fear  God,  keep  to  the  truth, 
never  turn  thy  back  upon  it,  left  the  days 
come  in  which  thou  fhak  fay,  I  have  no 
pleafure  in  them :  As  for  me,  I  am  going 
to  my  place,  and  I  hope  it  will  be  in  ever- 
lafting  reft."  To  another  who  had  been 
vifited  with  great  iicknefs,  he  faid,  *'  It  had 
*'  been  better  for  thee  to  have  died  in  thy 
*'  ficknefs,  than  to  live  to  forget  God." 
He  prayed  that  God  would  remember  all 
his  people,  and  that  their  dwelling  might 
be  with  the  Lord,  adding,  "  But  what  fhall 
"  I  fay,  there  are  too  many  that  tread  the 
*'  teftimony  of  truth  under  foot;  O!  gather 
*'  them  into  thy  fold  of  reft,  I  pray  thee 
*'  O  Lord'!"  To  a  friend  of  the  miniftry 
he  faid,  "  Thou  art  of  the  miniftry  and 
^'  hail  been  a  great  wliilc,  and  I  am  but 

'^  ycung_, 


(    54    ) 

young,  but  I  would  advife  thee  to  be 
careful  in  thy  teflimony,  not  to  enlarge 
beyond  thy  gift  or  concern ;  and  have  a 
care,  thou  do  not  ftand  in  the  way  of 
others,  or  fpeak  any  thing  to  hurt  others 
that  may  be  but  fmall  or  tender;  but 
wait  until  thou  art  filled  and  then  be 
humble,  and  not  puffed  up  with  pride, 
for  pride  goeth  before  a  fall."  After 
praying  unto  the  Lord  to  fettle  him  upon 
the  fure  foundation  and  rock  that  can  never 
be  removed,  he  quietly  departed  this  life, 
at  his  own  houfe,  on  the  6th  of  the  eleventh 
month  17 1 B,  and  now  refts  in  joy. 


A  Teflimony  from  the  fame  committee  concerning 
Mary  Haig,  njuije  of  the  aforejaid  Wil- 
liam Haig, 

SHE  was  a  w^oman  of  an  exemplary  life 
and  converfation,  of  a  fweet  and  loving 
behaviour,  and  was  favoured  with  a  gift  in 
the  miniftry.  In  her  lafh  licknefs,  after  im- 
parting her  mind  to  a  friend  about  her  out- 
w^ard  concerns,  flie  fpoke  as  follows,  "  Ac- 
*'  cording  to  my  fmall  gift,  I  have  difcharg- 
**  ed  myfelf,  fo  that  nothing  lieth  at  my  door. 
O !  that  the  people  would  remember  the 
words  that  1  have  fpoken  among  them, 
and  that  this  young  generation  would 
come  up  in  truth.  As  for  me,  I  had  ne- 
ver left  the  ifland  of  Antigua,  if  it  were 

**  not 


(< 


($ 


(     55    ) 

"  not  that  I  might  have  my  poor  children 
"  amongfl  faithful  friends :  I  have  feen  the 
**  wonders  of  the  Lord  in  the  deep  ocean, 
"  and  witneffed  his  delivering  arm  in  many 
*'  exercifes,  and  he  hath  kept  me  fweet  and 
*'  clean  all  along  fmce  1  knew  the  truth. 
"  Oh !  that  my  children  may  remember  the 
**  advice  they  have  received  of  their  father 
•*  and  me;    I  am  clear,    having  done  my 
"  duty."     And  praifed  God;  alfo  uttered 
many  fweet   and   comfortable   exprefTions. 
At  another  time,  (lie  faid  to  fome  friends, 
*'  When  I  was  but  nine  years  old,  the  Lord 
*'  made  himfelf  known  unto  me,  but  I  then 
**  lived  where  there  were  no  friends;  and 
**  after  fome  time,  I  v^^ent  to  Pennfylvania, 
"  and  there  met  with  friends,    but  fome 
**  were  loofe  and  light,  others  w^ere  folid 
**  and  weighty,  and  with  thefe  I  joined,  and 
**  received  much  benefit  from  the  family  of 
«*  the  Lloyd's.     After  Lwas  married,  we 
"  went  to  Antigua,  and  there  in  the  firfl 
**  meeting,  the  power  of  the  Lord  was  great- 
*•  ly  with  me,  infomuch  that  the  peoples 
<*  expedlations  were  upon  me  for  words; 
*'  but  foon  after  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  fend 
*'  two  of  his  fervants,  Joiiah  Langdale  and 
«  Thomas    Thomfon,    to  vifit  the  ifland, 
^*  when  the  power  of  the  Lord  did  break  in 
"  upon  me  like  thunder;"     And  fignified 
file  had  been  faithful  ever  fince  in  her  mea- 
fure,  in  giving  up  to  the  work  of  the  Lord. 
On  the  day  of  her  deceafe,  flie  faid  to  fome 
prefenta    **  Friends,  be  loving  one  to  ano- 
ther 


(    56    ) 

*'  ther,  that  the  Lord  may  blefs  you.  The 
**  love  that  I  feel  in  my  heart  is  inexpref- 
**  fible."  After  a  while  fhe  defired  a  friend 
to  remember  her  love  to  Lydia  Lancafter, 
Ehzabeth  Rawlinfon  and  friends  generally, 
adding,  *'  Tell  them,  I  die  m  unity  with  all 
"  faithful  friends."  Afterwards  Ihe  faid, 
*'  My  hufband  is  gone,  but  I  fliall  not  be 
*'  long  a  forrowful  widow;  yet  not  my  will 
*'  but  thine  be  done;  my  fpeech  fails  apace, 
*'  fweet  Lord  Jefus,  thou  haft  loved  me 
**  from  a  child,  and  I  have  loved  thee  ever 
**  iince  I  knew  thee,  and  my  cafe  is  no 
*'  doubtful  cafe,  I  come,  I  come,  hallen 
"  thou  my  journey." 

She  died  the  13^/7  of  the  eleventh  month 
lyi'Sy  aged  about  thirty-nine  years. 


A  Teji'imony  from  the  of  ore  faid  committee  ^  con- 
cerning Joseph  Glaister. 

OSEPH  GLAISTER  of  Pafquotank 
county,  formerly  of  Cumberland  in 
Great-Britain,  who  removed  with  his  fami- 
ly and  fettled  in  North-Carolina,  was  a 
valuable  minifter,  and  very  ferviceable  in 
difcipline,  being  well  qualified  therefor;  a 
conftant  attender  of  meetings  with  his  fami- 
ly, and  one  who  travelled  much  for  the 
fpreading  of  truth.  In  his  lafl  (icknefs,  he 
faid  to  fome  friends  that  vifxted  him,  ''  I 
m  very  ill,  but  am  out  of  all  doubt  of 

my 


(    57    ) 

*'  my  falvatlon,    being  well  afTured  of  it." 
Two  other  friends   coming  in,   he  added, 
**  Now   I  think  I  have  moft  of  the  chief 
"  friends   about  me  that  I   defired;    dear 
*'  friends,  give  me  up  freely,  that  I  may  not 
**  be  kept  longer  in  mifery,  for  I  can  fay 
**  with  one  of  old.  Lord  1  have  long  wait- 
**  ed  for  thy  falvation,  and  now  have  an 
*'  alTurance  of  it,  and  akho'  the  pains  are 
**  great,  yet  the  comfort  and  pleafure  I  fee 
**  before  me  do  outbalance   them   all." — 
Again  he  faid,    **  He  hoped  that  friends 
*'  might  keep  their  places  in  being  faithful, 
**  and  not  to  ihrink  one  from  another  when 
*'  troubles  or  differences   may  arife  in  the 
*'  church,  or  amongft  neighbours,  by  any 
**  evil  fpirit  that  may  get  into  any  unfaith- 
**  ful  one,  for  want  of  a  due,  true  and  faith- 
ful watch;   and   then  if  any   fuch  thing 
do  happen,  pray  friends,  I  hope  that  fuch 
*'  as  now   are,   or   may   then  be,  do  ftand 
"  firm  together,  and  give  judgment  in  or  by 
**  a  living,  frefli  and  divine  fpirit,  and  keep 
**  conftant  in  mind,  and  thereby  the  trani- 
**  greffor  or  tranfgrefFors   may  be  judged 
*^  down  and  not  able  to  reiift;    but  if  you 
**  fee  in  them  any  thing  tender,   then  dear 
"  friends,  turn  to  them  with  bowels  of  love 
**  and  perhaps  in  fo  doing,  you  may  gain 
**  fuch  as  in  time  paft  may  have  gone  aftray." 
He  went  on  fpeaking  of  the  great  love  and 
unity,  and  the  many  good  times  he  had  had 
with  us ;    having  his  I'pirit  borne  up  by  the 
ancient  arm  that  had  been  from  time  to  time 

his 


<c 


(    58    ) 

his  great  fupport.  Near  his  end,  we  were 
fenfible  of  his  being  engaged  in  prayer,  but 
being  almoll  fpent  we  could  not  hear  every 
word  fo  as  to  pen  it  down.  Thus  this  good 
man  ended  his  Hfe,  with  a  fenfe  of  the  great 
love  of  God  to  his  foul,  on  the  31/?  of  the 
eleventh  month  1718,  aged  about  forty- five 
years,  and  a  minifter  about  24  years. 


A  Tefiimony  from  Kennet  Monthly -Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  cowcdrw/w^' Vincent  Cald- 
well. 

HE  was  born  in  Derbyfliire  Great-Bri- 
tain, and  was  convinced  about  the 
17/16  or  18//:?  year  of  his  age,  by  the  niini-> 
ftry  of  John  Gratton  ;  having  received  the 
truth  in  the  love  of  it  and  continuing  faiths 
ful,  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  commit  to  him 
a  difpenfation  of  the  gofpel,  fo  that  he  had 
to  declare  to  others  of  the  goodnefs  of  God 
to  his  foul.  He  came  over  into  Pennfyl- 
vania, and  after  his  marriage  fettled  in  Eaft 
Marlborough  in  Chefter  county.  His  mi- 
niilry  was  found  and  edifying,  being  at* 
tended  with  the  power  of  truth  and  adorn- 
ed with  an  exemplary  converfation ;  in  the 
exercife  whereof  he  twice  vilited  the  meet-^ 
ings  of  friends  in  the  fouthern  provinces, 
and  once  in  divers  of  the  Well- India  iflands,, 
where  he  was  made  inftrumental  to  the  con- 
vincing  of  many ;  for  tho'  he  had  but  littl^ 

fchool« 


(     59    ) 

Ichool-learning,  yet  being  as  a  good  Scribe, 
well  inflrudled  unto  the  kingdom,  did  at 
times  bring  forth  out  of  the  treafury  things 
new  and  old. 

His  laft  ficknefs  continued  about  fix  days, 
wherein  he  was  preferved  in  a  fweet,  fenli- 
ble  and  tender  frame  of  fpirit,  and  at  times 
fpoke  in  fubftance  as  follows,  viz.  The  doc- 
tor coming  to  vilit  him,  he  faid  with  cheer- 
fulnels,  *'  I  would  have  thee  fpeak  thy 
*'  mind  freely  concerning  me,  for  I  am  not 
*'  afraid  to  die."  The  dodlor  after  fome 
paufe,  fignified  the  doubt  he  had  of  his  re- 
covery; which  bringing  an  awful  filence 
over  his  mind,  he  broke  forth  in  earned  fup- 
plication  to  the  Lord  for  the  welfare  of  Sion, 
and  exhorted  friends  prefent  to  love  and 
unity,  and  to  beware  of  that  fpirit  which 
would  lead  into  a  feparation.  He  fpoke 
clearly  to  the  flares  of  fome,  warning  them 
to  fear  the  Lord  and  walk  humbly  before 
him,  and  then  they  would  be  made  parta- 
kers of  his  divine  and  heavenly  blelTmg. 
He  prayed  the  Lord  to  profper  his  work, 
and  laid,  *'  The  Lord  will  caufe  his  glori- 
ous truth  to  break  forth  in  the  north  coun- 
try, and  among  the  Ethiopians,"  In  a  fight 
and  fenfe  whereof  he  rejoiced.  Another 
time,  his  wife  fitting  by  him,  he  looked 
earneftly  at  her  and  faid,  "  My  dear,  don't 
be  furprifed,  for  in  time  thou  wilt  come  in- 
to that  reft  that  I  am  going  into."  She 
queried,  "  Doft  thou  think  fo  ?"  He  faid 
l^  I  have  no  doubt  of  it."     Then  taking 

leave 


(    6o    ) 

l^avc  of  her,  he  faid,  "  Thou  haft  been  a 
loving  wife,  a  tender  mother  and  a  good 
neighbour.'*  Taking  leave  of  his  children 
one  by  one,  he  charg'd  them  to  be  loving 
and  obedient  to  their  mother,  and  not  to  go 
out  in  their  marriages.  He  prayed  the  Lord 
to  make  his  palTage  eafy,  and  receive  him 
graciouily  into  his  arms  of  reft  and  peace 
forever;  and  dehred  his  love  to  friends  in 
general  at  their  monthly,  quarterly  and 
yearly  meetings,  and  meeting  of  minifters. 
After  v^diich,  being  fenfible  his  end  drew 
near,  he  faid,  **  Give  me  a  little  water,  and 
*'  I  think  I  fliall  not  want  any  more,  till  I 
*'  drink  at  that  fountain  which  fprings  up 
*'  into  eternal  life." — Thus  in  a  refigned 
frame  of  mind,  he  finifhed  his  courfe,  the 
loth  day  of  the  firlt  month  1719-20,  in 
the  forty-fixth  year  of  his  age,  and  was  in- 
terr'd  in  friends  burying-ground  at  Kennet. 
Concerning  wiiom  we  believe,  he  is  entered 
into  the  manlions  of  glory,  where  *'  The 
wicked  ceafe  from  troubling  and  the  weary 
are  at  reit." 


A  TejTimony  frotn  the  Monthly -Meet  tug  ofVKi" 
\^di>t\-^\\i2i concenmig  Anthony  Morris. 

1 U  R  ancient  and  well  efteemed  friend 
Anthony  Morris,  was  a  member  of 
this  meeting  at  the  early  inftitution  there- 
of, and  in  the  year  1701    appeared  in  the 

miniftryj 


(     6i     ) 

juiniflry,  and  being  obedient  and  faithful, 
he  foon  became  acceptable  and  edifying, 
being  found  in  word  and  dodtrine.  He  v/as 
advanced  to  his  forty-feventh  year  when  he 
engaged  in  this  fervice,  and  having  a  prof- 
pecfl  of  a  great  work  before  him,  requiring 
his  clofe  application,  he  drew  his  worldly 
bufinefs  into  a  narrow  compafs,  and  devoted 
his  time  principally  to  the  fervice  of  truth; 
not  only  vifiting  neighbouring  meetings, 
but  alfo  travelled  through  New- Jerf^y,  Long- 
Ifland,  Rhode-Ifland,  New-England  and 
Maryland;  and  about  the  year  1715  per- 
form'd  a  vifit  to  friends  in  South- Britain. 
He  was  early  appointed  clerk  of  our  month- 
ly-meeting which  fervice  he  performed  ma- 
ny years  to  fatisfadlion ;  being  zealous  and 
ferviceable  in  the  difcipiine,  a  diligent  at- 
tender  of  all  our  religious  meetings,  care- 
ful in  obferving  the  time  appointed  and  of- 
ten concern'd  to  exhort  fuch  to  amendment 
as  were  remifs  herein. 

In  the  eighth  month  1721  his  fpeech  was 
much  affecled  by  frequent  attacks  of  a  pa- 
ralytick  diforder,  but  his  underftanding  re- 
maining clear,  and  being  favoured  with  the 
enjoyment  of  divine  love,  he  was  enabled 
to  utter  fome  fentences  to  thofe  that  viiited 
him,  faying,  **  That  if  conliftent  with  the  di- 
*'  vine  will  the  time  of  his  diirolution  was  at 
*'  hand,  it  would  be  more  joyous  to  depart 
*'  now,  than  continue  longer  in  the  body." 
Yet  cxprels'd  his  free  refignation  to  the  will 
of  God,  and  in  an  humble  tender  frame  of 

ibirit 


.        (      62      ) 

fpirit  mention'd  the  teftimony  Chrift  gave 
concerning  the  woman  who  ponred  on  his 
head  the  precious  ointment,  fayihg  **  He 
**  was  favoured  with  the  evidence  in  him- 
'*  felf,  that  he  had  done  what  he  could, 
**  and  felt  peace,"  Expreffmg  at  the  fame 
time,  '*  That  his  hope  for  eternal  falvation 
**  was  alone  in  the  mercy  of  God  through 
'*  his  fon  Chrift  Jefus,  the  only  faviour  and 
*'  mediator."  Some  friends  who  were  go- 
ing to  attend  a  neighbouring  yearly-meet- 
ing coming  to  viiit  him,  he  took  an  affec- 
tionate leave  of  them,  faying  *'  Remember 
**  my  dear  love  to  friends  in  general;  tell 
*'  them  I  am  going  and  all  is  well." 

He  departed  this  life  the  2  j^  ot  the  eighth 
month  172 1,  aged  fixty-feven  years;  and 
on  the  25^/6  his  corpfe  was  borne  to  our 
meeting  hovile  in  High-ftreet,  accompanied 
by  many  friends  and  neighbours,  as  well  as 
friends  from  the  adjacent  country  meetings, 
and  thence  to  our  burial  ground  in  this  ci- 
ty where  it  was  interr'd.  Concerning  whom 
we  hope,  he  hath  obtained  an  entrance  into 
the  manfions  prepared  by  Chrift  Jefus  our 
Lord,  for  thofe  who  continue  faithful  to 
the  end  of  their  time  here,  as  did  this  our 
friend. 


Tzvo 


(     63     ) 

Two  Extracts  from  Thomas  Chalkley's  jour- 
nal concerning  Thomas  Lightfoot. 

IN  the  eighth  month  1 725, 1  went  to  Derby 
to  vilit  our  worthy  aged  friend  Thomas 
Lightfoot,  who  lay  very  weak  in  body, 
none  expelling  his  recovery ;  I  called  as  I 
went  from  home,  and  then  he  was  very  ill, 
and  told  me,  '*  He  thought  that  ilinefs 
'*  would  conclude  his  time  in  this  world, 
^'  but  faid  that  all  was  well  and  iikewife 
"  that  he  had  a  great  concern  upon  his 
*'  mind  for  the  growth  and  profperity  of 
**  truth  in  the  earth,  and  defired  with  ten- 
*'  dernefs  of  fpirit,  that  I  would  give  his 
*'  dear  love  to  all  friends;"  And  he  now 
faid,  *'  I  never  thought  to  fee  thee  more, 
**  but  am  glad  to  fee  thee."  I  ilayed  there 
all  night  and  in  the  morning  we  had  a  com- 
fortable heart-melting  time  together,  in 
which  was  revived  the  remembrance  of  the 
many  favourable  feafons  of  God's  love  we 
had  enjoy'd  in  our  travels  in  the  work  of  the 
miniflry  of  the  gofpel  of  Chrift,  and  we 
tenderly  prayed  if  we  never  met  more  in 
this  world,  we  might  meet  in  that  which  is 
to  come,  where  we  might  never  part  more, 
but  might  forever  live  to  fing  with  all  the 
faints  and  holy  angels,  hallelujah  to  God 
and  the  Lamb- 
In  the  ()th  month  1725,  I  was  at  the  fu- 
neral of  our  worthy  ancient  friend  Thomas 
Lightfoot,     He  was  buried   at  Derby;    the 

meeting 


(    H   ) 

meeting  was  the  largeft  that  I  have  ever  {een 
at  that  phice.  Our  dear  friend  was  great- 
ly beloved  for  his  piety  and  virtue,  his  fweet 
difpofition  and  lively  niiniftry:  The  Lord 
was  with  him  in  his  life  and  death  and  with 
us  at  his  burial. 

This  our  friend  removed  from  Ireland  in 
an  advanced  age,  and  fettled  in  Chefter 
county  Pennfylvania.  In  1724  being  then 
near  fourfcore  years  of  age,  he  with  Benja- 
min Kidd,  a  young  minifter  from  England, 
paid  a  general  viiit  to  friends  in  New-En- 
gland. 


A  Tcftimony  from  Nottingham  Mont hly- Meet" 
ing  171  Pennfylvania,  co7icerning  Aaron 
C  o  p  p  o  G  K. 

IT  appears  he  was  born  in  Chefliire  in 
Old  England,  the  2$th  of  the  tenth 
month  1662,  was  convinced  of  the  truth 
when  a  young  man,  came  to  x'\merica  fbon 
after  and  lived  near  Chefter;  about  the  year 
1714  he,  with  his  family,  fettled  at  Notting- 
ham in  fiid  county  ;  being  a  man  of  an  ex- 
emplary condu(fl:  and  much  efteemed  by 
friends,  he  was  chofen  an  elder  for  the  par- 
ticular meeting  of  Eait-Nottingham,  until 
he  appeared  in  a  public  teilimony,  and 
therein  was  often  concerned  to  exhort  friends 
to  a  life  of  lelf  denial,  v/atchfulnefs  and 
prayer,  the  which  he  did  in  great  fincerity, 

zeal 


(     65    ) 

Eeal  and  innocency.  In  the  forepart  of  his 
lafc  ilhiefs  he  complained  of  much  poverty, 
but  before  he  died  had  a  profpe(5l  of  happi- 
nefs,  and  a  fure  hope  of  obtaining  the  fame* 
He  departed  this  hfe  on  the  loth  day  of  the 
tenth  month  1725,  and  was  buried  in  friends 
burying  ground  in  Eaft  Nottingham  the 
1 2th  of  the  fame  month,  aged  fixty- three, 
and  a  minifber  7'  years. 


A  Teftvnony  from  Salem  ¥ionthfy~ Meeting  in 
New-Jerfey,  conceniing  James  Daniel 
ienior. 

THE  memory  of  the  righteous  cannot 
foon  be  forgotten  by  thofe  who  follow 
their  footileps,  but  are  as  memorials,  deep- 
ly engraven  on  their  minds,  and  are*  worthy 
to  be  had  in  remembrance,  of  which  num- 
ber was  that  Heady  friend  and  exemplary 
elder  James  Daniel,  whofe  pious  life  and 
favoury  converiation  is  frefh  in  ioiriQ  of  our 
memories. 

He  was  born  in  Ireland  about  the  year 
1675;  his  father  Neal  Daniel  brought  him 
over  fea  when  about  five  years  ot  age,  and 
fettled  in  AUoway's- Greek  towniliip  m  the 
county  of  Salem  Weil-Jerfey ;  at  which 
time  the  white  people  were  but  few,  and 
the  natives  a  multitude.  He  learned  their 
language  perfectly,  and  has  frequently  faid, 
that  at  that  time  the  natives  Vv'ere  a  fober, 
F  grave 


(     66    ) 

grave  and  temperate  people,  and  ufed  nf? 
manner  of  oath  in  their  Ipeech.  About  the 
i^th  year  of  his  age  his  father  died,  leav- 
ing him  in  the  care  of  friends  to  be  educat- 
ed in  the  way  of  truth,  which  he  embra- 
ced' in  the  love  of  it ;  and  as  he  grew  in  age, 
he  grew  in  experience  and  divine  favour, 
and  had  a  fhare  of  the  overfight  of  the  flock 
and  elderfliip  conferred  upon  him,  which 
he  faithfully  performed  in  the  fpirit  of  love 
and  meeknefs,  thereby  rendering  his  fervice 
acceptable  and  obtaining  a  good  report.  He 
ruled  his  own  houfe  well,  having  his  children 
in  fabjecflion:  Diligent  in  attending  meet- 
ings for  worfliip  and  difcipline,  altho'  for 
many  years  with  difficulty,  the  country  be- 
ing new  and  roads  not  made;  but  after- 
wards he,  with  confiderable  coft  and  labour, 
got  bridges  erecfted  over  fome  creeks  and  a 
public  road  made  near  his  own  houfe.  His 
houfe  and  heart  were  open  to  entertain 
friends  according  to  his  ability ;  was  zeal- 
oufly  concerned  for  the  honour  of  God  and 
promotion  of  truth.  He  often  lamented 
that  as  the  country  grew  older  the  people 
grew  worfe,  and  had  corrupted  the  natives 
in  their  morals,  teaching  them  bad  words 
and  the  exceffive  ufe  of  itrong  drink,  which 
he,  during  many  years  in  the  latter  part  of 
his  time,  for  example's  fike  took  none  of, 
and  frequently  admoniflied  Inch  as  were  in 
the  ufe  thereof,  to  obferve  great  temperance. 
In  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  he  defired 
his  eldefl  fons  to  t*ake  the  care  of  his  tempo- 
ral 


(    67    ) 

ral  concerns  upon  them,  for  his  mind  feem-* 
ed  diveltcd  therefrom  as  much  as-tho'  he 
poflefled  nothing,  (a  good  example  for  all 
elders;  for  forrowful  experience  lliews  us, 
that  too  many  as  they  grow  in  years,  grow 
more  clofely  attached  to  the  earth ;  which  is 
a  forrowfiJl  profpecfl  and  poor  example  to 
the  riling  generation)  but  devoted  his  mind 
and  time  to  truth's  fervice,  often  accom- 
panying friends  in  their  religious  engage- 
ments, to  his  great  fatisfac^lion. 

Whilft  in  health,  the  Lord  gave  him  a 
fenfe  that  his  departure  drew  near;  foon  af- 
terwards he  was  taken  with  the  pleurify  and 
lay  about  eight  days,  during  which  time 
he  gave  much  good  advice  to  his  family, 
friends  and  neighbours  that  came  to  fee  him, 
to  whom  he  alio  ga^e  evident  proofs  of  a 
'happy  exit.  The  day  before  his  departure, 
many  friends  and  neighbours  came  and  had 
a  religious  meeting,  after  which,  feveral 
taking  leave,  he  faid,  "  I  am  glad  of  this 
*'  vifit  and  of  the  meeting,  but  I  have  a 
*'  great  concern  on  my  mind  for  this  gene- 
"  ration,"  mentioning  many  growing  evils 
then  prevalent,  and  faid,  '*  Many  of  the 
*'  elders  are  called  away  and  more  mud  foon ; 
*'  but  I  hope  the  Lord  will  raife  up  fome 
''  that  fliall  be  faithful  and  zealous.'*  The 
evening  of  his  deceafe,  he  took  his  folema 
leave  of  all  prefcnt,  beginning  v/ith  his  wife, 
and  afterwards  his  children  in  order,  giving 
each  fomething  in  charge;  to  one  particular- 
ly he  faid,  **  Thou  doll  not  know  what  ier- 
F  2  *'  vice 


(  60  ) 
"  vice  tlie  Lord  hath  for  thee  to  do  in  thy 
*'  generation."  So  remaining  fenfible  until 
about  the  loth  hour,  he  departed  like  one 
falling  into  a  fweet  fleep,  at  his  own  houfe 
on  the  26th  of  the  tenth  month  1726,  in 
the  fifty-fecond  year  of  his  age* 


ExtraSi  from  Thomas  Chalkley's  journal  con-^ 
cerning  John  Lee. 

THE  2^th  of  the  tenth  month  1726,  I 
heard  the  news  of  the  death  of  my 
dear  friend  John  Lee:  It  affedled  me  with 
forrow,  he  being  an  old  acquaintance  and 
inward  friend  of  mine,  with  whom  I  had 
travelled  many  miles.  He  was  a  living  fer- 
viceable  miniiter  of  the  gofpel  of  Chrift,  and 
inflrumental  to  convince  divers  of  that  prin- 
ciple of  divine  light  and  truth  which  we 
profefs :  Our  love  and  friendfliip  was  con- 
ftant  and  intire  unto  the  end,  having  been 
acquainted  about  thirty-five  years  as  near 
as  1  can  remember. 


A  Tejiimony  from  New-Garden  Monthly-Meet" 
ing  in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Caleb 
PusEY. 

E  was  born  in  BerkfliireOld  Enpland, 
and  educated  in  the  Baptifts  profeffi- 
on,  but  after  he  arrived  to  years  of  religious 

confideration ; 


(     69     ) 

confideradon,  he  was  convinced  of  the 
principles  of  truth  as  profefled  by  the  peo'- 
ple  called  Quakers.  In  the  year  1682,  he 
removed  to  Pennfylvania  and  fettled  near 
Chefter,  where  he  refided  a  confiderable 
time,  then  removed  to  Marlborough  in  the 
fame  county,  where  he  dwelt  the  remainder 
of  his  days. 

He  was  a  worthy  elder  in  the  church,  be- 
ing endowed  with  a  good  natural  capacity, 
found  in  judgment,  and  zealous  in  maintain- 
ing the  caufe  of  truth  againft  contrary  and 
contending  fpirits.  His  conftancy  in  attend- 
ing meetings  for  worfliip  and  difcipline  was 
I'emarkable  and  worthy  of  imitation.  Much 
might  be  faid  of  his  zeal  and  integrity  for 
truth,  which  he  retained  to  the  lafl,  but, 
for  brevity's  fake,  let  it  fuffice,  that  he  ivas 
a  jnjl  man^  therefore  let  him  be  had  in  re- 
membrance. 

His  laft  illnefs  was  heavy  upon  him  for 
fix  days ;  during  wliich  he  was  preferved 
fenfible;  fignifying  ivhat  a  brave  thing  it 
was  to  be  prepared  for  death.  The  morning 
before  he  died,  being  allied  by  his  fon-in- 
law  how  he  did,  anfwered,  "  The  time  was 
near  come  that  he  muil  leave  the  world;" 
to  v*diich  his  fon  replied,  *'  Father,  I  hope 
that  is  no  furprrze  to  thee;"  he, anfwered, 
**  No,  No;"  after  which  he  fpoke little  that 
could  be  underftood,  only  deiired  *'  That 
friends  might  keep  their  meetings  in  upright- 
Jii?fs," 

He 


(    7°    I 

He  died  the  25//?  of  the  twelfth  month 
X  726-7,  in  the  feventy-fixth  year  of  his  age, 
and  was  interr'd  in  friends  burying  ground 
at  London  Grove. 


A  TeJIimony  from  the  Monthly- Meeting  o/' Phi- 
ladelphia, concerning  Hannah  Hill. 

OUR  worthy  and  much  efteemed  friend 
Hannah  Hill,  wife  of  Richard  Hilj, 
and  daughter  of  Thomas  Lloyd  (formerly 
governor  of  this  province)  by  Mary  the 
daughter  of  Gilbert  Jones,  of  Welchpool, 
was  born  in  Montgomeryfliire  North  Wales, 
at  the  feat  of  her  anceftors  called  Dolobran, 
the  21/?  of  the  feventh  month  1666.  She 
was  a  woman  highly  favoured  of  the  Lord, 
poflefled  many  excellent  chriftian  virtues, 
as  well  as  natural  accomplifiunents:  Com- 
ing over  into  this  country  with  her  parents 
when  young;  foon  after  their  arrival  it 
pleafed  the  Lord  to  remove  her  pious  mo- 
ther by  death,  when  the  care  of  the  younger 
children  devolved  upon  her:  This  clofe  tri- 
al in  the  earher  part  of  her  time,  was  abun- 
dantly fan(51:i|ied  to  her;  for  her  mind  be- 
ing engaged  to  feek  the  Lord  for  her  porti- 
on, and  her  father's  God  for  the  lot  of  her 
inheritance,  he  was  gracioully  pleafed,  not 
only  to  favour  her  with  the  knowledge  of 
himfelf  and  the  enjoyment  of  his  living 
prelcnce  in  the  days  of  her  youth,  but  alfo 

made 


(    71     ) 

made  her  a  fingular  inflrument  of  good,  and 
a  blefling  to  her  father's  family.  As  fhe 
grew  ill  years,  her  confpicuous  virtues,  join- 
ed with  a  courteous  deportment,  juftly  gain- 
ed the  efleem  and  favour  of  moll  if  not  all 
with  whom  fhe  converfed.  Being  earnellly 
folicited  in  marriage  by  John  Delaval,  who 
(tho'  a  worthy  man)  was  not  at  that  time  of 
the  fame  religious  communion,  flie,  by  her 
prudent  conducfl  and  pious  refolution  to 
maintain  the  principles  fhe  profefled  v/ith- 
out  deviating  therefrom  in  a  matter  of  fuch 
importance,  did  not  agree  thereto ;  until  he 
after  fome  time  embraced  the  truth  in  fince- 
rity  of  heart,  and  bore  his  crofs  like  an 
humble  follower  of  Chrifl;  he  received  a 
gift  in  the  mini  (try,  and  continued  faithful 
therein  to  his  death:  Concerning  whom  fhe 
gave  this  teflimony,  viz.  "  That  he  never 
ufed  to  her  an  exprelTion  of  anger,  or  the 
produdl  of  a  difturbed  mind."  The  deceafe 
of  her  faid  hufband  proved  to  her  a  time  of 
deep  probation,  having  been  heard  to  fay, 
that  in  eight  weeks  time  flie  loft  eight  of  her 
family  by  death,  beginning  with  the  deceafe 
of  her  beloved  hultand,  and  ending  with 
that  of  her  only  child :  Under  which  afflicSl- 
ing  circumltances,  as  well  as  what  attend- 
ed her  the  remaining  part  of  her  life  (of 
which  file  had  a  large  lliare)  fhe  approved 
herfelf  a  Ihining  example  of  patience  in 
tribulation,  and  a  meek,  humble,  felf~de- 
jiying  follower  of  Chrift, 

hi 


(    72    ) 

In  the  affluent  ftation  wherein  divine  pro- 
vidence had  placed  her,  her  benevolent  dif- 
pofition  was  confpicuous  in  adminiftring  to 
the  neceflkies  of  the  indigent,  her  charity 
not  being  limited  to  thofe  of  her  ov/n  pro- 
fellion.  Siie  was  a  true  fervant  of  the 
church,  and  in, the  fenfe  of  the  apoftle's  ex- 
preflions,  *'  One  that  waflied  the  faints  feet," 
receiving  with  joy  into  her  houfe,  the  mi- 
nifters  and  ineifengers  of  the  gofpel,  for 
whom  her  love  was  great:  7 he  low,  the 
poor  and  the  mean,  were  obJecSls  of  her  pe- 
culiar care. 

In  her  younger  years  flie  received  a  gift 
in  the  miniftry,  v/hich  flie  retained  with 
faithfulnefs  to  the  end;  and  tho'  not  large 
in  her  appearance,  yet  with  great  modefty  and 
foundnefs  of  expi'eilion,  *'  Her  dodrine  drop- 
ped as  the  dew,  and  diflilled  as  the  fmall  rain," 
and  was  therefore  truly  acceptable.  She 
travelled  in  the  lervice  of  the  gofpel,  to  New- 
England  and  divers  other  parts  of  this  con- 
tinent, and  was  alfo  concern'd  for  the  good 
order  and  difcipline  of  the  church,  having 
for  a  number  ot  years,  ferved  in  the  ftation 
of  clerk  of  the  women's  monthly,  quarterly 
and  yearly  meetings,  wherein  Ihe  gave  fapi- 
faction. 

Althougli  bodily  weaknefs  frequently  at- 
tended her  in  the  latter  years  of  her  life,  it 
did  not  abate  her  love  and  zeal  for  the  ever- 
lailing  truth,  which  fhe  experienced  to  be 
her  fupport  in  every  time  of  trial ;  and  when 
her  diflblution  drew  near,  fhe  made  divers 

feafonable 


(     73     ) 

feafonable  remarks  and  obfervations,  alfb 
figaified  her  acquiefceiice  with  the  divine 
will,  in  the  difpenfations  of  his  providence 
towards  her ;  at  one  time  particularly  men- 
tioning the  expreilions  of  the  apoille,  "  That 
"  no  chafteni ng  for  the  prelent  feemeth  to  be 
''  joyoiis,  but  grievous,  neverthelefs,  after- 
*'  ward  it  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruit  of 
"  righteoufnefs  unto  them  which  are  exer- 
"  cifed  thereby."  This  was  her  happy  ex- 
perience; and  after  a  well-fpent  life,  inter- 
iperfed  with  a  variety  of  exercifing  vicifi- 
tudes,  ihe  exchanged  thi^s  ilate  of  exiflence 
(no  doubt)  for  a  blefled  immortality  in  the 
regions  of  unmixed  felicity;  after  about 
three  weeks  illnefs,  on  the  2^th  of  the 
twelfth  month  1726-7,  in  the  fixty-firil  year 
of  her  age.  Her  corpfe  was  refpedfully  at- 
tended by  a  large  number  of  friends  and 
others,  to  the  Higli-flreet  meeting-houfe  in 
Philadelphia,  where  divers  living  tellimonies 
were  borne,  after  which  it  was  interr'd  iii 
friends  burial  ground. 

She  was  twenty- fix  years  the  wife  of  R.ich- 
ard  Hill,  who  was  a  lerviceable  member 
both  in  church  and  ftate,  and  died  in  good 
eileem,  the  ^th  of  the  feventh  month  1729. 


A  Teflimonj 


(    74    ) 

ATeftimony  from  Haddonfield  Monthly-Meet- 
ing in  New- J  erfey,  concerning  James  Lord. 

HE  received  a  lively  gift  of  the  gofpel 
mini  dry  whilit  young  in  years,  was 
frequently  exercifed  therein  to  the  edificati- 
on and  encouragement  of  friends ;  and  was 
much  concerned  for  the  true  Sioners,  that 
they  might  hold  on  their  way,  and  that  the 
outcarts  of  Ifrael  might  be  gathered  home 
into  the  true  fold  of  reft.  An  exemplary 
man,  by  wdiich  he  greatly  adorned  the  doc- 
trine he  preached;  was  called  from  works 
to  rewards  in  the  flower  of  his  age,  being 
in  his  thirty^fourth  year  and  in  the  yeaj;: 
1727.  ' 


ExtraB  from  Thomas  Chalkley'sjournal,  con-^ 
^  cerning  the  aforcjaid  James  Lord. 

N  fecond-day  the  2^th  of  the  feventh 
month  1727,  I  had  the  forrowful  ti- 
dings of  the  death  of  my  beloved  friend 
James  Lord;  who,  on  his  death-bed,  deiired 
that  I  might  be  fent  for  to  his  burial.  In 
the  conlideration  of  that  chriflian  love  which 
was  between  us,  I  think  1  ;nay  truly  note, 
that  we  were  always  glad  to  meet  each  other; 
therefore  the  thoughts  of  this  fo  fudden 
change  and  final  parting,  brought,  for  the 
prefent,  a  fadnefs   and  heavinels  over  my 

mind  J 


(     7S    ) 

inind;  confidering  his  ftation  in  that  neigh- 
bourhood, and  fervice  in  that  congregation 
to  which  he  did  belong ;  for  therein  he  was 
well-beloved  and  very  ferviceable. 

And  Oh !  the  lofs  that  his  dear  wife  and 
tender  children  will  have  of  him,  really  af- 
fects me  with  forrow  in  penning  thefe  notes ; 
but  the  forrow,  in  thefe  things,  is  all  on  our 
fide ;  for  he,  without  doubt,  is  at  reft  with 
his  great  mafter  in  Heaven.  We  had  a  lar- 
ger meeting  at  his  funeral  than  ever  was 
known  to  be  there  before  (as  an  ancient 
friend  told  me)  which  was  folemn  and  fer- 
viceable to  many. 


^ojjte  account  of  Jows  Bevan,  copied  from  a 
7nanujcript^  appearing  to  be  a  tejlimony  from 
a  7neetiiig  in  Wales  concerning  hirn^  the  cou" 
chfion  of  "which  is  ivanting.  And  tho  he 
ivas  born  anddied in  that  country,  yet  hav' 
ing  li'ved  many  years  in  Pennfylvania,  the 
follotving  memorial  is  thought  not  improper 
to  be  injerted  in  this  Collection. 

OU  R  deceafed  friend  John  Bevan,  the 
worthy  fubjedl  of  our  teflimony,  hav- 
ing deferved  to  have  his  name  tranfmitted  to 
pofterity,  for  his  pious  life  and  converfati- 
on,  the  following  account  of  him,  proba- 
bly, will  not  only  be  fatisfacftory  to  his  re- 
lations, friends  and  acquaintance,  but  af- 
ford edification  and  comfort  to  tho/e  who 
knev/  him  not.  He 


(    76    ) 

He  was  born  about  1646,  and  well  de- 
fcended ;  liis  parents  died  when  he  was  very 
yonng,  leaving  five  children,  of  whom  he 
was  the  eldeil.  in  1665  he  married  a  reli- 
gious woman.  His  father  had  left  him  a 
confiderable  eftate,  but  the  rell  of  the  chil- 
dren were  unprovided  for;  he  therefore, 
when  he  came  of  age,  (his  fifter  being  dead 
before)  portioned  all  his  brothers,  and  gave 
them  a  helpful  fubfiflence  in  the  world. 
Some  years  after,  he  was  convinced  of  the 
bleired  truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus,  the  manner 
whereof,  as  he  himfelf  hath  left  it  in  writ- 
ing, 'was  thus, 

*  My  wife  was  religioufly  inclined  in  her 
young  years,  and  zealouily  concerned  to 
obferve  the  ceremonies  of  the  church  of 
England,  and  I  believe  (as  llie  has  often 
told  mc)  fhe  aimed  fincerely  therein  at 
God's  glory  and  the  falvation  of  her  im- 
mortal foul.  After  we  were  joined  in  mar- 
riage, fhe  continued  very  zealous  in  that 
way ;  but  when  a  weighty  concern  caixie 
upon  my  mind  for  the  well-being  of  my 
immortal  foul,  I  faw  it  very  needful  for 
me  to  make  a  narrow  fearch  after  the  befl 
v/ay,  and  thoie  people  who  performed 
that  woriliip  and  fervice  that  was  accept- 
able before  God;  and  being  in  a  weighty 
frame  of  fpirit,  the  people  called  Quakers 
came  before  the  view  of  my  mind;  and 
hearing  of  a  book  of  George  Fox  the 
youijger's,  to  be  at  a  relation's  houie,  I 
was  willing  to  go  thither  for  it,  and  in  the 

•  reading 


(    77    ) 
reading  thereof,    I  was  Co  well  fatisfied, 
that  1  can  truly  fiiy,   what  i  then  read, 
anlwered  the  witnefs  ot  God  in  my  owii 
bofom,  as  **  Face  anfwereth  face  in  a  glafs :" 
But  foon  after  I  came  home,  my  wife  per- 
ceiving me  to  be  more  ferious  and  weigh- 
ty in  my  fpirit  than  formerly,  was  jealous 
1   had   an   inclination   towards   that  way 
which  the    people   called   Quakers  made 
profefTion  of;    and  finding  I  had  the  faid 
book,  came  up  to  the  chamber  where  I 
was,  and  cautioned  me  not  to  be  beguil- 
ed:  1  f^K>ke  to  her  in  fimpliciry  and  much 
brokenncls  of  heart,  of  the  ihiih  and  fa- 
tishidlion  I  had,  that  tbofe  who  were  faith- 
ful   to   that  divnie   principle  which    the 
people  called  (iuakers  bore  tellimony  to., 
were  the  people   God  owned,  or  to  that 
import ;    and  it  reached  to  God's  witnels 
in  her,  that  we  parted  in  much  tendernefs 
at  that  time.  Hovvever  flie  continued  fome- 
what  zealous  in  her  way  if  ill,  and  would 
be  often  arguing  with  me  in  vindication 
thereof,  much  about  twelve  months;   but 
at  one  time,  when  fhe  was  at  their  wor- 
Ihip,   the  Priefl:  denounced  his  excommu- 
jiication  againft  me,  and  Ihe  being  in  a 
feat  juif  under  him,  it  came  fo  near  her 
that  Ihe  was  nigh  to  faint  away;    when 
their  worihip  was  over,   fl\e  went  to  the 
Prieft  and  fpoke  fomewhat  home  to  him, 
and  that  Che  thought  ihe  deferved  more 
civility,  at  leaft  fo  much  as  to  know  afore- 
hand  of  their  excommunication,    for  he 

'  might 


(    78    ) 

might  know  that  flie  fincerely  loved  her 
haihand  tho'  he  dilFentcd  from  her  in 
judgment.  And  after  that  time,  ihe  be- 
came more  willing  to  fearch  clofely  into 
the  weighty  work  of  the  falvation  of  her 
immortal  foul ;  and  the  Lord's  love  was 
manifelfed  to  her,  that  in  a  little  while  af- 
ter, her  underftanding  came  to  be  opened, 
and  (lie  came  to  be  convinced  of  God's 
everlafting  truth,  that  was  promifed  '*  To 
'  lead  into  all  truth."  And  having  tafted  of 
that  living  bread  that  gives  life  to  the  foul, 
Ihe  came  withal  to  fee  there  was  no  need  of 
the  outward  bread,  which  formerly  flie  was 
zealous  and  confcientious  in  the  obferva- 
tion  of,  to  commemorate  the  death  and 
pallion  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chriil ;  the  true 
remembrancer  being  come  and  witnelTed, 
even  he  *'  Who  {lands  at  the  door  of  men's 
'  hearts  for  an  entrance,  that  he  inay  come 
*  to  fup  with  them  and  they  with  him." 
'  Soon  after  our  convincement,  the  ene- 
my of  ibuls  muftered  his  forces,  and  en- 
deavoured to  fliile  our  convidlions,  and 
we  were  hard  put  to  it  both  within  and 
without,  but  as  our  eyes  were  to  the  Lord, 
and  in  poverty  and  humility  of  fpirit  we 
leaned  upon  hun,  he  made  the  hard  things 
eafy,  and  in  the  fenfe  of  his  divine  love 
which  was  often  Ihed  abroad  in  our  hearts, 
we  were  made  willing  to  deny  ourlelves, 
to  take  up  the  crofs,  and  to  defpife  the 
Ihame.  And  tho'  we  were  but  a  few,  we 
thought  it  convenient  to  meet  together  to 

*  wait 


(     79    ) 

^  wait  upon  the  Lord,    being  fully  fatisficd 

*  it  was  a  duty  incumbent  upon  his  people 

*  in  all  ages  ;  and  in  the  performance  of  our 

*  duty    herein    in   the  year    1675,    feveral 

*  friends  were  taken  from  our  houfe  at  two 

*  feveral  times,  and  brought  before  two 
'  juifices   of  the   peace,  who  tendered  the 

*  oath  of  allegiance  and  fupremacy  to  them, 
'  and  becaufe,  for  confcience  fake,  they 
'  could  not  break  the  command  of  Chrift 

*  who  faid     **  Swear  not  at  all,'*  they  were 

*  committed  to  prifbn,  where  they  reniain- 

*  ed  about  fourteen  weeks,  and  then  were 
'  fet  at  liberty  ;  ever  fince  which,  the  meet- 

*  ing  has   been  kept  either  at  our  houfe  or 

*  at  the  mecting-houfe,  quietly  without  any 
'  more  difturbance. 

*  Sometime    before  the  year    16S3,    we 
'  heard  that  our  efteemed  friend  William 

*  Penn,  had  a  patent  from  king  Charles  the 
'  fecond,  for  that  province  in  America  call- 

*  ed  Pennfylvania ;  and  my  wife  had  a  great 
'  inclination  to  go  thither,  and  thought  it 

*  might  be  a  good  place  to  train  up  children 

*  amongft  fober  people,  and  to  prevent  the 

*  corruption  of  them  here,  by  the  loofc  be- 

*  haviour  of  the  youth  and  the  bad  example 
'  of  too  many  of  thofe  of  riper  years ;  Ihe  ac- 

*  quainted  me  therewith,  but  I  then  thought 

*  it  not  likely  to  take  effedl  for  feveral  reafons; 
'  but  as  I  v/as  fenfible  her  aim  was  upright 
'  on  account  of  our  children,  I  was  willing 

*  to  weigh  the   matter  in   a   true  balance; 

*  and  I  can  truly  fiy,   my  way  was  made 

'  eafv 


(  80  ) 
eafy  and  clear  to  go  thither,  beyond  my 
expedation;  and  it  was  the  Lord's  great 
mercy  to  preferve  us  over  the  great  deep 
to  our  defired  port :  And  what  hardfhips 
we  met  at  the  beginning  of  our  fettlement, 
the  Lord  was  our  helper  and  fupport  to 
go  through:  And  I  can  in  a  fweet  re- 
membrance fay,  many  were  the  bleffed  fea- 
fons  we  had  with  God's  people  in  that  re- 
mote country,  and  I  beheve  and  am  well 
fatisfied  that  the  Lord  has  a  remnant  there, 
that  hncerely  aim  at  his  glory  and  the 
profperity  of  his  truth,  blelled  and  prail- 
ed  be  his  holy  name  forever. 
'  We  ftaid  there  many  years,  and  had 
four  of  our  children  married  with  our 
confent,  and  they  had  feveral  children, 
and  the  aim  intended  by  my  wife,  was  in 
a  good  meafure  anfwered. — When  a  weigh- 
ty concern  came  upon  my  mind  to  return 
to  my  native  country,  and  that  chiefly  on 
truth's  account.  I  laid  it  before  my  wife, 
and  ihe  could  not  be  eafy  to  il:ay  behind 
me,  and  we  came  over  in  the  year  1704; 
and  through  the  Lord's  great  mercy  we  were 
preferved  in  that  tedious  voyage,  north 
about  Scotland  through  many  difnculties, 
and  from  the  cruelties  aifo  of  the  pri- 
vateers, of  which  there  were  many  then 
on  that  coaft,  as  we  were  afterward  in- 
formed.— This  wondeiiul  prefervation  de- 
ferves  to  be  remembered  with  thankfgiv- 
ing;  having  ioil  the  iieet,  wj  were  only 
four  fnips  coming  together  from  \'  irginia, 

and 


(    8i     ) 

and  one  of  them  belonging  to  Briflol,  we 
thought  to  remove  to  that  fliip,  becaufe 
Briiiol  was  nearer  to  our  habitation  irx 
Wales  than  London,  whither  our  veflel 
was  bound ;  we  agreed  with  the  mafter 
for  our  paiTage,  and  next  morning  we  were 
to  go  on  board,  but  that  night  I  was  un- 
der a  weighty  exercife  about  our  removal, 
but  in  the  morning  it  happened  to  be  i'o 
ftormy  that  he  could  not  take  us  in,  fo  he 
parted  from  us,  and  bore  his  courfe  to- 
wards Briftol ;  then  the  weight  I  was  un- 
der was  removed,  and  I  was  very  eafy  in 
my  fpirit;  and  as  1  was  afterward  inform- 
ed, that  Ihip  was  taken  near  to  Lundy  liland: 
This  deliverance  therefore  and  prelervation 
of  us,  I  afcribe  to  the  Lord's  great  favour 
and  mercy  towards  us,  thanks,  honour  and 
praifes  be  rendered  and  afcribed  to  him  for 
the  fame  and  all  other  mercies  forever. 
'  In  this  voyage,  our  youngeft  daughter 
Barbara  Bevan  accompanied  us,  and  Ihe 
was  of  good  fervice  on  truth's  account, 
the  fliort  time  flie  remained  in  the  body ; 
her  innocency  and  fweet  behaviour  preach- 
ed truth  wherever  fhe  came.  It  is  my 
comfort  and  great  latisfadtion,  that  llie  left 
a  good  favour,  and  has  finilhed  her  courfe 
in  peace  with  her  maker,  and  is  gone  to 
her  eternal  reft  in  the  manlions  of  blifs 
'  and  joy,  to  laud  and  magnify  him  forever. f 

*  We 

t  A  fliort  teflimony  concerning  her,  wortliy  of  perufal,  is 
printedin  thcjth  part  of  Piety  Cioraoted. 

G 


(     82      ) 

*  We  landed  at  laft  at  Shields  in  North- 
umberland, and  {laid  over  the  meeting  on 
firfl-day,  where  we  were  comforted  with 
friends ;  next  day  we  fet  forward  toward 
our  habitation  in  Wales,  having  near  three 
hundred  miles  to  travel.     We  had  feveral 
good  meetings  in  our  way,  and  about  the 
beginning  of  the  eighth  month  1704,  we 
came  to  our  home  at  Treveyricke ;  and 
from  that  time  forward  my  dear  wife  was 
given  up  as  before,  to  be  ferviceable  on 
truth's  account,  and  fo  continued  during 
her  pilgrimage  here,  being  fix  years  and 
upwards.     Her  houfe  and  heart  lince  her 
convincement,    were  open  to  receive  the 
Lord's  melTengers,  both  here  and  in  Ameri- 
ca, and  fhe  was   very   careful  and  open 
hearted  to  help  the  poor  and  weak,  both 
amongfl  us  and  others.     In  her  lafl  fick- 
nefs,  fhe  was  fenfil^le  fhe  was  not  like  to 
recover  out  of  it,  and  flie  was  fatisfied 
and  contented  therein  to  fubmit  to  the 
Lord's  will ;  fpeaking  to  me,  fhe  faid,  **  I 
take  it  as  a  great  mercy  that  I  am  to  go 
before  thee,  we  are  upwards  of  forty- five 
years  married,  and  our  love  is  rather  more 
now  towards  one  another,  than  at  the  be- 
ginning, yet  I  am  willing  to  part  with 
ail,  for  the  Lord  is  better  than  all."  '  She 
quietly  departed  this  life  the  zbth  of  the 
eleventh  month  1710;  aged  fevenry-three 
years   and  about   four  months ;  and  tho' 
my  lofs  thereby  is  great,  yet  it  is  her  eter- 
nal gain,' 

Our 


(    83    ) 
t)uf  well  efteemed  friend  having  left  us 
this  juft  acco]Lint  of  his  convincemeut,  and 
of  the  reafons  of  his  removal  to,  and  return 
from  Pennfylvania   to  his   native  country 
again;  it  remains  for  us  to  add,  that  by 
their  teftimonials    from   Pennfylvania,    we 
find  they  were  all  three  of  good  fervice  there, 
the  old  friends  being  examples  of  meeknefs, 
temperance  and  charity,  and  having  lived 
in  love  and  fellowiliip  with  the  brethren  and 
fillers  there,  were  in  good  efleem  amongft 
all.      And  the  young  friend  being  of  an 
innocent   and   good  life  and  converfation, 
was  well  beloved  amongll  them  ;    and  fur- 
ther, that  the  father  and  daughter  had  re- 
ceived a  gift  of  the  minillry,  which  had 
been  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  the 
churches  thereaway.— We  heard  he  vifited 
New-England  in  particular  with  our  friend 
Hugh  Roberts,  about  the  year  1701. — -Soon 
after  he    returned  from  Pennfylvania,    he 
and  his    daughter   vifited  together  feveral 
meetings   of  friends   in  South   and  North 
Wales,  and  were  eminently  favoured  there- 
in with  the  divine  prefence. — His  ililFerings, 
eonfidering  his  fairhfulnefb  and  the  time  he 
lived  in,  were  not  very  many  ;  his  relations 
at  times   diverting   the   llrokes  from  him; 
however  after  a   long  prolecution   by    the 
Vicar  of  the  parilli  for  his  pretended  dues> 
he  was  at  lafl  coniined  to   Cardiff  goal   in 
1721,  upon  an  excommunicatio   capiendo, 
but  there  being  fome  error  in  it,  he  was  dil- 
charged  the  following  fdhons,  and  ever  al- 
ter left  unmolefted. 

G  2  He 


(    84    ) 

He  was  endued  with  a  good  underftand- 
'  ing  in  things  fpiritual  and  temporal,  dilbreet 
and  prudent  in  his  ways,  of  an  unfpotted 
life  and  converiation,  grave  and  folid  in  his 
deportment,  and  careful  to  keep  concord 
and  unity  among  friends,  conftant  and  un- 
moveable  againft  that  which  would  divide 
and  rend,  yet  labouring  to  reftore  thofe  that 
were  beguiled  thereby.  In  his  lafl  ficknefs, 
he  had  no  fmall  conflicl,  but  he  was  favour- 
ed with  much  patience  and  pofTeffed  his  foul 
therein,  and  bore  his  indifpofition  to  admi- 
ration.— At  one  time  he  faid,  *'  Ever  fince  I 
*'  had  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  1  have  en- 
**  deavoured  to  be  innocent."  To  a  relati- 
on alking  him  how  he  did  ?  he  anfwered, 
*'  Weakly,  but  I  find  fome  ftrength  to  bear 

my  weaknefs." 


«( 


A  Tejiimony  from  the  Monthly- Meeting  (j/*  Phi- 
ladelphia, concerning  Hannah  Car- 
penter. 

SHE  was  born  at  Haverford  Weft  in  South 
Wales,  where  having  the  opportunity 
of  feeing  the  patient,  innocent  and  fteady 
fufferings  of  friends  who  were  imprifoned 
for  their  religious  teftimony,  together  with 
their  good  converfation  in  Chrift,  flie  was 
convinced  of  the  blefled  truth,  and  became 
very  ferviceable  to  thofe  who  were  in  bonds 
there  for  Chrift's  fake.     She  came  over  here 

in 


(    §5    ) 

in  the  early  fettling  of  this  province,  and 
after  fome  time  was  married  to  our  well 
efteemed  friend  Samuel  Carpenter,  of  this 
city.  She  received  a  fhare  of  the  gofpel  mi- 
iiiftry,  which  was  feafoned  with  a  lively  fa- 
vour of  divine  fweetnefs ;  and  though  not 
frequent  in  her  appearances,  was  very  ac- 
ceptable. Her  heart  and  houfe  flood  open 
to  receive  and  entertain  the  true  gofpel  mi- 
nifters,  to  whom  fhe  was  a  tender  nurling 
mother  both  in  ficknefs  and  in  health ;  be- 
ing full  of  warmth  and  love  to  faithful 
friends,  a  bright  example  of  meeknefs  in 
the  church  as  well  as  in  her  own  family ; 
and  her  life  and  converfation  being  adorned 
with  the  chriftian  virtues  of  benevolence 
and  charity,  rendered  her  beloved,  refpedled 
and  ufeful  in  her  ftation. 

She  died  the  24^/7  of  the  fifth  month  17285 
in  the  eighty-third  year  of  her  age. 


The  folloiving  Epijlle  to  parents  concerning  the 
education  of  children^  ynanifejling  her  pious 
regard  for  the  youth  ^  and  her  anxiety  for  the 
increafe  and  prqfperity  of  the  church  of  Chr'ifl^ 
is  thought  proper  to  be  here  annexed^  'uiz, 

*'  UPON  the /\.th  day  of  the  fourth  month, 
I  was  drawn  forth  to  wait  on  the  Lord,  and 
as  I  was  waiting,  the  confederation  of  my 
dear  children  whom  the  Lord  had  taken  to 
himfelf  in  their  innocency  came  before  me, 
and  my  foul  blelled  his  holy  name  for  his 

£:reat 


(    86    ) 

grent  love  towards  them  and  me,  in  that 
they  are  gone  to  their  reft,  and  Ihall  never 
partake  of  thofe  exercifes  and  forrows  thefe 
do  that  remain  in  the  world ;  and  then  my 
foul  was  poured  forth  before  the  Lord  for 
them  that  remain,  that  as  they  grow  up  in 
years,  they  may  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  faviour  Jefus 
Chrill: ;  or  elfe  1  would  rather  follow  them 
to  their  graves  whilffc  they  are  young,  than 
tliat  they  fliould  live  to  the  diflionour  of  his 
worrhy  name :  And  then  a  more  general  and 
weighty  concern  came  upon  me  for  friends 
children  that  are  grown  up  and  do  not  come 
under  the  yoke  nor  bear  the  crofs.  Oh !  the 
cry  that  ran  through  my  foul,  and  in  the 
anguifh  and  bitterneis  of  my  fpirit,  I  faid, 
Lord  ivhat  will  thou  do  nvith  friends  children 
when  we  are  gone  off  the  ftage  of  this  ivorld'y 
Will  thou  raije  up  children^  and  not  thofe  ofbe- 
lu'ving  parents  ?  And  this  was  the  word  that 
livingly  fprung  up  in  my  foul.  They  rejeH 
my  coiinfel  and  call  ?ny  laiv  behind  their  backs ^ 
and  will  have  none  of  my  reproofs^  and  tho 
my  hand  be  liretched  forth  all  the  day  long^  yet 
they  ivill  not  hear^  but  go  after  their  oivn 
hearts  hift.  Then  I  faid  ni  my  heart,  Lord 
are  they  all  fo?  The  anfwer  was,  there  are 
fome  that  are  innocent^  'a^hom  Invill  blefs  uinth 
a  bleffing  from  me^  ajid  they  fhaUfloine  forth 
to  my  praife.  And  now,  Oh  friends!  that 
you  may  dwell  and  abide  in  the  innocent 
life,  that  fo  the  bleifing  of  the  Lord  you 

may 


(    87    ) 

may  feel  daily  to  defcend  upon  you.  But 
as  for  you  that  **  Reje(5l  the  counfel  of  the 
Lord  and  caft  his  law  behind  your  backs, 
and  will  have  none  of  his  reproofs,"  which 
are  forrowful  fayings  concerning  you  who 
are  the  children  of  believing  parents,  you 
who  are  under  the  profeilion  of  the  truth, 
which  will  do  you  no  good,  unlefs  you  re- 
turn unto  the  Lord ;  therefore  I  delire  you 
may  all  return  unto  him,  whilft  the  day  of 
a  long-fuffering  merciful  God  larteth :  But 
if  you  ftill  rejed;  the  counfel  of  the  Lord, 
the  many  faithful  warnings  you  have  had, 
how  will  you  anfwer  it  in  the  day  when  he 
Cometh,  **  To  render  unto  every  one  accord- 
ing to  their  deeds  ?"  And  now,  fomething 
further  is  with  me  to  parents  of  children. 
Dear  friends,  you  that  have  been  convinced 
of  God's  unchangeable  truth,  and  have 
known  the  work  and  operation  of  it,  work- 
ing out  and  bringing  down  that  which  was 
of  a  contrary  nature  to  it.  And  Oh !  that 
we  may  all  abide  faithful  in  his  work,  and 
retain  our  integrity  to  the  Lord,  then  let 
our  breathing  cries  and  prayers  be  offered 
up  to  the  Lord  for  our  children,  that  he 
would  be  pleafed  to  look  down  in  mercy 
upon  them,  and  vifit  them  as  he  did  our 
fouls.  But  as  David  faid,  '*  If  I  regard 
iniquity  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  will  not 
hear  me ;"  fo  I  defire  we  may  all  be  clear 
in  our  offerings  belore  the  Lord,  that  he 
may  fmeil  a  fweet  favour  from  them. 

Dear 


(    88    ) 

Dear  friends,  what  is  here  written  is  with 
great  caution,  knowing  that  I  have  children 
of  my  own,  and  that  many  honed  parents 
have  bad  children,  which  is  no  fmall  exer- 
cife ;  but  if  we  keep  faithful  to  the  Lord, 
and  difcharge  our  duty  to  them  by  precept ' 
and  example,  we  fliall  be  clear  of  them  in 
the  fight  of  God :  And  therefore  friends, 
faithfulnefs  is  the  word  that  runs  through 
me,  not  only  for  our  own  fouls,  but  for 
our  children's  alfo;  that  a  generation  may 
grow  up  to  his  praife  in  this  part  of  the 
world,  when  our  heads  are  laid  in  the  duft. 
Great  and  manifold  hath  the  love  and  mer- 
cy of  God  been  towards  us,  the  confiderati- 
on  of  it,  many  times  hath  deeply  afifeded 
my  mind ;  and  it  was  he  by  the  fame  arm 
of  power  that  reached  unto  us,  and  brought 
a  concern  upon  us  in  our  own  native  land ; 
and  I  do  believe  that  many  had  as  clear  a 
call  to  leave  their  native  country,  as  fome 
of  old  had,  which  caufed  many  days  and 
nights  of  fore  travel  and  exercile  before  the 
Lord,  and  no  eafe  could  we  have,  but  in 
giving  up  life  and  all  unto  him,  faying, 
*'  Lord  do  what  thou  wilt  with  us,  only 
let  thy  prefence  preierve  us."  And  to  his 
praife  we  can  iay,  he  hath  been  with  us  lince 
we  came  to  this  country,  and  hath  preferv- 
ed  us  through  many  and  various  exercifes, 
both  inwardly  and  outwardly.  And  now 
that  which  lies  on  oup  parts  1  defire  may  be 
confidered  by  us  all,  that  fo  fuitable  returns 
may  be  made  unto  the  Lord,  by  walking 

in 


(    89    ) 

in  humility  and  godly  fear  before  him ;  that 
£o^  good  patterns  we  may  be,  by  keeping 
our  places  *'  To  the  praife  of  him  who  hath 
called  us,"  for  he  is  worthy  forever  more. 
And  friends,  fomething  more  is  with  me 
which  I  thought  to  omit,  but  find  I  can't 
well  do  it,  that  is,  concerning  our  children, 
that  we  be  very  careful  while  they  are 
young,  that  we  fuffer  them  not  to  wear  fuch 
things  that  truth  allows  not ;  and  though  it 
may  be  faid,  they  are  but  little  things  and 
well  enough  for  children,  but  we  find,  that 
when  they  are  grown  up,  it  is  hard  for  them 
to  leave  off,  which  may  be,  if  they  had  not 
been  ufed  when  young,  would  not  have 
been  expecfled  when  grown  up :  So  I  defire 
we  may  all  be  clear  in  ourfelves,  and  keep 
our  children  out  of  the  fafliions  and  cuftoms 
of  this  world.  And  Oh  !  that  we  were  all 
of  one  heart  and  mind  in  thefe  and  other 
things,  then  would  the  work  of  the  Lord 
go  on  ealily,  vv^hich  is  the  lincere  defire  of 
your  friend, 

HANNAH  CARPENTER. 


A  Tejlimony  from  the  Tearly-Meeting  in  Virgi- 
nia, concerning  Robert  Jordan. 

E  was  fo.n  of  Thomas  and  Margaret 
Jordan,  of  Nancemond  county  in  Vir- 
ginia, born  the  wth  oi  the  feventh  month' 
1668,  and  carefully  educated  in  the  way  of 

truth 


(    9°    ) 

truth  by  his  worthy  parents,  who  Uved  to 
fee  the  reUgion  of  his  education  become  that 
of  his  choice  and  practice  in  his  mature 
years,  in  which  he  was  preferved  to  the  laft, 
without  wavering,  in  great  peace  with  the 
Lord  and  unity  of  his  brethren. 

He  was  an  hofpitable  man,  very  ready  to 
entertain  ftrangers,  efpecially  the  Lord's 
melTengers,  whom  he  treated  with  great  re- 
fpeifl  and  affe(5lion,  honouring  them  for 
their  work's  fake ;  being  alfo  charitable  to 
the  poor,  and  as  a  man  of  trade  and  com- 
merce, obtained  a  good  reputation,  having 
declared  he  had  never  wronged  any  man 
knowingly  in  all  his  life. 

In  the  time  of  his  illnefs,  which  continu- 
ed about  two  weeks,  he  feemed  very  patient 
and  refigned  to  the  will  of  God,  and  much 
concerned  for  the  everlafting  welfare  of  his 
children,  which  he  expreffed  in  a  lively 
manner;  and  often  in  fervent  prayer,  de- 
fired  they  might  be  preferved  from  the 
vanities  and  corruptions  of  this  world,  and 
that  they  might  love  and  fear  the  Lord  in 
their  youth,  faying  at  one  time,  *'  O  Lord 
preferve  my  flock,  let  them  never  go  aflray, 
nor  forget  thee  nor  one  another:  O  my 
God !  hold  them  in  thy  arms  that  none  of 
them  be  loft,  let  not  the  enemy  prevail  over 
them:"  Being  humbly  thankful  and  bleffed 
God,  that  he  had  been  pleafed  to  fupport 
him  through  every  difpenfation  of  his  pro- 
vidence to  that  time.    He  died  the  3<:/  of  the 

eighth 


(     9'     ) 

eighth  month  1728,  and  on  the  9//^  of  the 
fame  month,  after  a  large  meeting  held  on 
the  occafion,  was  interred  in  the  family 
burying-ground. 


ATeJlhnony  from  Gwynedd  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Pennlylvania,  concerning  Rowland 
Ellis. 

OU  R  ancient  and  efteemed  friend  Row- 
land Ellis,  was  born  in  the  year  1650, 
in  Merionethfhire  North  Wales,  convinced 
of  the  truth  about  the  twenty- fecond  year 
of  his  age,  fufFered  feveral  years  imprifon- 
ment  with  conftancy  on  account  of  his  tefti- 
mony,  it  being  then  a  time  of  fore  perle- 
cution ;  the  two  judges  who  committed  him 
with  many  others  for  refufing  to  take  the 
oath  of  allegiance  and  fupremacy,  declared 
openly  at  the  aifizes,  ''  That  in  cafe  they 
refufed  a  fecond  time  to  take  it,  they  fhould 
be  proceeded  againft  as  traitors,  the  men 
hanged  and  quartered,  and  the  women  burn- 
ed." In  1686  he  came  over  into  Pennfyl- 
vania  to  prepare  for  a  fettlement  for  his  wife 
and  family,  with  whom  he  return'd  in  1697. 
He  was  endued  with  a  gift  in  the  miniltry, 
and  tho'  not  very  frequent  in  appearance 
therein,  his  fervice  was  acceptable  and  to 
edification;  being  of  found  judgment,  rea- 
dy and  willing  to  afTift  his  neighbours  and 
friends  in  all  cafes  civil  or  religious  when 

defired. 


(     90 

defired.  He  was  zealous  for  fnpportiiig  our 
chrillian  diCcipline,  and  exemplary  in  con- 
du6ling  himfelf  agreeable  therewith,  fome- 
times  faying  "  If  the  hedge  of  difcipline 
was  not  kept  up,  the  labour  of  the  hufband- 
inan  would  fbon  be  laid  wafte."  He  was 
careful  in  educating  his  children  religioufly, 
by  timely  endeavouring  to  inculcate  in  them 
the  principles  of  piety  and  virtue;  a  pra(!^ice 
of  his  tending  thereto,  was,  having  meet- 
ings frequently  in  his  family,  which  he  long 
continued.  In  the  laft  monthly-meeting  he 
attended  he  was  taken  unwell,  but  after- 
wards faid  to  divers  friends  prefent,  *'  I 
am  glad  I  was  here  to  day,  for  I  had  a  lively 
meeting,  and  though  I  now  feel  much  weak- 
nefs  and  the  infirmities  attending  my  ad- 
vanced age,  yet  I  can  fay,  truth  is  as  dear 
and  as  fweet  as  ever."  He  alfo  faid,  ''  Sa-^ 
"  tan  fometimes  lies  in  wait  like  a  roaring 
''*  lion  to  devour  me,  but  I  find  he  is  chain- 
''  ed  by  a  fecret  hand  which  limits  his  pow- 
*'  er,  fo  that  he  cannot  harm  me."  His  in- 
difpofition  continued  a  few  days,  which 
he  bore  with  chriflian  patience,  expreffmg 
*'  His  fenfe  of  his  near  arrival  at  the  ha- 
ven of  red  and  quiet,  where  none  could 
make  him  afraid."  He  expired  at  the  houle 
of  his  fon-in-law  John  Evans,  in  the  eighti- 
eth year  of  his  age,  and  was  interr'd  in 
friends  burying-ground  at  Plymouth,  (to 
which  particular  meeting  he  belonged)  in  the 
feventh  month  1729.  Concerning  whom  we 
trull  it  may  be  faid,  be  rejls^  enjoying  the  re- 
ivard  of  the  righteous  y  and  his  works  do  follow, 

A  Teftimoiiy 


(     93     ) 

A  Tejlmony  from  Newark  Monthly -Meeting  in 
New  Callle  county  on  Delaware,  concertiing 
Moses  Mendenhall, 

HE  was  born  at  Concord  in  Chefter  coun- 
ty Pennfylvania,  about  16^3,  being 
the  fon  of  Benjamin  Mendenhall,  an  early 
fettler  in  that  place;  in  his  youth  he  was 
religioully  inclined,  loving  the  converfation 
of  fiich,  and  chooling  places  of  retirement 
to  wait  upon  God.  He  married  about  the 
year  17 19,  and  foon  after  fettled  at  Kennet, 
where  he  continued  his  habitation  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life.  As  he  grew  in  years 
he  grew  in  religious  experience,  and  in  1724 
appeared  in  the  miniftry ;  firft  in  a  few 
words,  but  continuing  faithful,  he  increaf- 
ed  in  his  gift,  and  in  time  had  a  I'ealbnable 
refrefliing  teftimony,  which  often  affected 
the  nainds  of  the  hearers.  He  viiited  the 
meetings  in  Maryland,  New-Jerfey,  and 
fometimes  thofe  near  home;  being  alfo 
rightly  gifted  for  the  difcipjine,  and  fervice- 
able  therein.  He  had  a  clear  difcerning  of 
a  fpirit  of  undue  liberty  that  feemed  at  one 
time  to  prevail,  which  afterwards  manifeft- 
ed  itfelf  to  the  exercife  of  the  faithful. 

Being  feniible  in  his  lad  ficknefs  that  his 
end  was  near,  he  iignified  **  He  was  thank- 
ful to  the  Lord,  that  he  was  like  to  be  ta- 
ken from  the  troubles  of  this  world;"  ex- 
horting friends  to  faithfulnefs ;  and  died  in  a 

refigned 


(    94    ) 
refigned  frame,  in  the  ninth  month  1731, 
aged   about   thirty-eight,    and   a  miniller 
about  7  years,  and  was  interred  in  Kennet 
burying- ground. 


A  Tefllmony  from  Duck- Creek  Monthly- Me et-^ 
ing  in  Kent  county  on  Delaware,  concerning 
Joseph  Booth. 

HE  was  born  at  or  near  Scituate  in  New- 
England,  and  educated  in  the  religi- 
on of  the  independants ;  leaving  his  native 
country  when  a  young  man,  he  came  and 
fettled  early  on  Mufpillion  in  SulTex  county 
upon  Delaware,  where  he  filled  the  itation 
of  a  magiftrate  many  years,  and  was  alfo 
chofen  a  member  ot  the  houfe  of  affembly, 
difcharging  the  feveral  trufts  repofed  in  him^ 
with  reputation. 

In  the  year  1699,  he  was  convinced  by 
the  miniftry  of  Thomas  Story,  who  left  this 
teftimony  refpecfting  him,  **  That  he  was 
the  moft  fober  and  knowing  perfon  in  thofe 
parts."  As  he  gave  up  faithfully  to  the 
manifeftation  of  truth,  it  fo  operated  upon 
him,  as  to  bring  the  creaturely  part  into 
fubjecflion,  tho'  much  in  the  way  of  the 
crois,  and  the  more  fo,  by  reafon  of  the 
ilation  and  characfler  he  Aipported  in  the 
world;  but  thro'  continued  obedience,  he 
witneffed  love  fo  to  prevail  in  his  heart,  as 
to  conftrain  him,  livingly  to  declare  to  others 

what 


(    95    ) 

what  the  Lord  had  done  for  him.  Being 
rightly  called  and  anointed  for  the  work, 
his  appearances  were  folemn  and  awful, 
miniftring  in  the  power  of  truth.  He  was 
a  nurfing  father  in  the  church,  conftant  in 
attending  religious  meetings,  and  exempla- 
ry in  humbly  waiting  therein ;  having  like- 
wife  been  inllrumental  in  fettling  the  meet- 
ing at  Murtherkiln  where  he  belonged,  as 
alfo  that  at  Cold-Spring;  and  before  any 
meeting  was  held  at  the  latter,  he  frequent- 
ly vihted  the  few  families  of  friends  ad- 
jacent thereto,  and  was  in  general  good 
efteem  amongft  men.  He  died  about  the 
year  1732. 


jI  Te/iimony  from  Wrights-Town  Monthly-" 
Meeting  in  Bucks  county  Pennfylvania,  con-" 
cerning  Ann  Parson. 

SH  E  appeared  in  the  miniftry  In  her 
youthful  days,  and  continuing  faithful, 
ihe  travelled  on  that  account,  feveral  times 
through  New- England,  the  Jerfeys,  Penn- 
fylvania, Maryland  and  Virginia  in  Ameri- 
ca, and  through  England,  Ireland,  Scotland 
and  Wales  in  Europe;  her  miniftry  being 
favoury  and  to  edification.  She  was  a  good 
example,  of  an  inoffenfive  life,  patient  in 
afflidlion,  and  died  in  good  unity  with  ths 
church, 

In 


(    96     ) 

In  lier  lad  illnefs,  flie  faid  to  her  brother 
Abraham  Chapman,  *'  I  have  travelled  a 
pretty  deal  in  my  time,  and,  according 
to  my  ability,  have  labom'ed  in  the  love 
of  God  (in  the  fervice  of  truth,  and  good- 
will to  all  men)  which  fprings  in  my  bo-° 
fbm  now  as  frefli  as  ever ;  blelTed  be  his 
name.  And  I  defire  thee  (if  I  go)  by  a 
few  lines,  to  remember  my  kind  love  to 
friends,  dehring  they  may  ftand  in  the 
counfel  of  God;  for  1  have  often  rejoiced 
and  been  glad,  to  lee  friends  ftand  in  his 
counfel  and  keep  their  places  in  the  truth; 
and  on  the  contrary,  it  has  often  wound- 
ed my  fpirit,  to  fee  thofe  that  have  made 
a  profeilion  of  the  truth,  (and  Ibme  of 
them  children  of  good  parents)  take  un- 
due liberty,  taking  pleafure  in  vanity 
and  folly,  and  neglec^ling  that  which 
would  be  to  their  everlafting  peace.  It  is 
my  advice  to  friends,  that  they  lland  in 
the  counfel  of  God,  which  will  be  to  them 
as  a  mighty  rock  in  a  weary  land,  and 
enable  them  to  wade  through  the  various 
exercrfes  and  troubles  which  may  fail  to 
their  (hare  to  meet  with  in  this  trouble- 
fome  world.  I  have  found  it  by  experi- 
ence to  be  a  fure  help  in  every  needful 
and  difficult  time,  when  exercifes  icemed 
to  furround  me  on  every  hand  like  the 
billows  of  the  main,  then  I  found,  to 
iland  in  the  counfel  of  God,  was  the  on- 
ly place  of  refuge  that  I  could  retire  unto, 
where  I  found  faf'cty,  and  was  often  re- 

*'  freihed, 


<( 


(     97     ) 

**  freflied,  ftrengthened  and  comforted  by 
**  the  influence  of  the  love  of  God  in  me ; 
**  and  I  would  counfel  and  advife,  that  all 
**  friends  keep  clofe  to  meetings,  and  pa- 
*'  tiently  wait  to  feel  their  ftrength  renewed 
**  in  God.  And  as  it  has  been  the  defire 
*'  and  labour  of  my  fpirit,  that  friends 
**  fliould  keep  up  their  meetings  in  good 
*"*  order,  and  in  the  wifdom  of  truth ;  fo  I 
"  recommend  it  as  my  advice  and  counfel 
*'  to  friends,  to  be  careful  to  keep  to  meet- 
**  ings,  and  patiently  wait  to  feel  the  over- 
iliadowing  power  of  truth,  to  ftrengthen 
and  renew  their  hope  in  God,  v^hich 
*'  brings  down  and  abafes  every  thing  that 
*'  would  exalt  itfelf  above  the  peaceable 
*'  government  of  truth."  After  having  lain 
fometime  in  great  ftillnefs,  flie,  in  fervent 
prayer,  befought  the  Lord,  *'  To  carry  on 
"  the  work  he  had  begun,  fo  that  many 
*'  might  flock  unto  his  church,  as  doves 
"  unto  the  windows  ;  and  that  lin  and  ini-> 
*'  quity  might  ceafe,  and  righteoufnefs  and 
"  truth  cover  the  earth,  as  the  waters  cover 
**  thefea;"  fervently  befeeching  the  Lordj 
•'  To  blefs  his  people  and  her  near  relations, 
"  and  that  her  companion  might  be  favor- 
''  ed  with  the  vilitation  of  divine  love,  and 
'*  know  his  lafl:  days  to  be  his  bed  days  ^ 
"  and  that  he  might  find  admittance  into 
'*  reft  and  peace,  when  time  to  him  in  this 
«'  life  fliould  be  no  more,"  v/ith  many  more 
of  the  like  exprefllons,  at  fundry  times  du- 
ring; her  illnefs, 

H  .  She 


(     98    ) 

She  died  the  ()th  of  the  tenth  month  1732^ 
in  the  fifty-leventh  year  of  her  age,  having 
been  a  minifter  t,^  years. 


A  Tefi'imony  from  Nottingham  Monthly -Meet- 
ing in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Joseph 

E  L  G  A  R. 

HE  was  born  (as  we  are  informed)  at 
Folkftone  in  Kent,  Old  England,  the 
30//7  of  the  fourth  month  1690,  of  believ- 
ing parents ;  and  came  into  America  about 
the  year  1720,  living  fome  time  near  Phila- 
delphia, and  in  1728,  removed  within  the 
limits  of  Eaft  Nottingham  particular  meet- 
ing. After  his  coming  to  this  country,  he 
was  called  to  the  work  of  the  miniftry, 
wherein  he  was  not  forward,  yet  his  appear- 
ances being  lively  and  edifying,  friends  had 
near  unity  therewith.  A  good  example  in 
attending  meetings,  a  faithful  labourer 
therein,  and  careful  in  keeping  to  the  hour 
appointed.  He  was  induftrious  in  outward 
affairs,  tho'  cheerfully  given  up  to  anfwer 
the  requirings  of  truth ;  vifiting  the  meet- 
ings of  friends  in  Pennfylvania,  as  alfo  in 
New-Jerfey  and  Maryland  generally.  He 
was  gifted  in  difcipline,  and  likewife  quali- 
Jied  for  the  fervice  of  vifiting  families, 
wherein  he  was  engaged  the  laft  time  he  was 
abfent  from  home,  within  the  limits  of 
Bulh-River  and  Deer-Creek  particular  meet- 
ings ; 


(     99     ) 

ings ;  in  his  return  from  whence,  he  told  a 
friend,  **  There  was  an  unufiial  weighc 
*'  over  his  fpirit,  and  a  cloud  that  he  could 
'*  not  fee  beyond,  which  made  him  think 
**  his  days  work  was  nearly  over."  The 
night  he  return'd  home,  he  was  affeded 
with  ficknefs  and  much  pain,  which  con- 
tinued feveral  days,  bearing  the  fame  v^^ith 
exemplary  patience.  Afterwards  growing 
weaker  but  remaining  fenlible,  he  often  ex- 
preffed,  *'  He  had  done  with  the  world, 
**  and  was  willing  to  leave  it,  for  he  had 
**  been  faithful  to  what  was  made  known  to 
*'  him,  fince  he  gave  Up  to  the  requirings 
*'  of  truth." 

Continuing  in  a  fvveetcompofureof  mind, 
lie  departed  on  the  19^/7  of  the  eleventh 
month  1733-4,  in  the  forty-fourth  year  of 
his  age,  a  minifter  about  1 2  years.  His  re- 
mains were  interr'd  in  friends  bury  in  g- 
ground  at  Eafl-Nottingham ;  on  which  fb- 
lemn  occafion,  our  friend  Mungo  Bewley  of 
Ireland,  who  was  then  on  a  religious  vifit 
in  America,  exercifed  his  gift  to  the  comforc 
of  many  friends. 


A  TeJItmony  from  the  Tear  fy- Meeting  of  friends 
in  Virginia,  comerning  Joseph  Jordan. 

HE  was  born  in  Nancemond  county  in 
Virginia,  in  the  year  1695,  being  the 
third  fon  of  Robert  Jordan,  as  well  as  one 
H  2  of 


.    (      too     ) 

o(  the  third  generation  who  have  walked  in 
the  truth.  He  was  of  a  Iprightly  genius, 
affable  difpofition,  and  even  temper,  which, 
as  he  grew  to  manhood,  gave  him  eafy  ac- 
cefs  to  company,  efteemed  the  better  fort. 
A  vilitation  of  divine  love  being  extended 
to  him  about  the  twenty-fecond  year  of  his 
age,  he  like  Zaccheus,  made  hafle,  and  with 
joy  embraced,  both  the  melTage  and  the 
meffenger  of  falvation :  And  being  endued 
with  a  gift  in  the  miniftry,  acquitted  him- 
felf  "  As  a  workman  that  need  not  be 
afliamed,"  and  had  great  place  in  the  minds 
of  men.  Altho'  he  had  not  much  fchool 
literature,  yet  he  might  be  faid  to  have  had 
the  tongue  of  the  learned,  being  both  cor- 
rec!^:  and  concife  in  fpeaking  the  word  in  fea- 
fon,  infomuch  that  divers  have  confelTed  to 
the  truth  and  embraced  the  dodlrine  he 
preached.  Being  patient  in  tribulation,  he 
was  favour'd  with  that  hope  which  affords 
content  and  folace  of  mind.  After  labour- 
ing in  the  gofpel  in  his  own  country  and 
the  adjacent  provinces,  he  vifited  mofl  parts 
of  England,  Ireland,  and  divers  parts  of 
Holland ;  being  abfent  on  this  fervice  above 
three  years,  he  returned  with  peace,  and 
jfound  his  prefence  necelTary  at  home;  for 
his  father  being  deceafed,  and  his  brother 
Robert  then  abfent,  the  care  of  the  family 
devolved  upon  him,  which  trufl  he  difcharg- 
ed  with  judgment,  being  a  good  oecono- 
mift,  kind  neighbour  and  fteady  friend. 

He 


(   •loi     ) 

He  often  intimated  that  he  fliould  not 
continue  long,  and  was  therefore  concern'd 
to  ufe  diligence.  Not  long  before  his  de- 
ceafe,  he  vifited  friends  in  Virginia  and 
North-Carolina,  edifying  them  with  his  gift ; 
and  in  the  beginning  of  the  month  in  which 
he  died,  (tho*  very  weak  in  body)  attended 
their  quarterly  meeting,  fignifying  at  his 
return,  his  great  fatisfadlion  therein,  be- 
lieving it  would  be  the  laft  meeting  of  the 
kind  he  fliould  ever  be  at,  and  accordingly 
he  never  afterwards  went  from  home,  except 
to  a  week-day  meeting  in  the  neighbours- 
hood. 

On  the  morning  of  the  day  of  his  difro=» 
lution,  he  uttered  many  favoury  expreffions, 
faying  to  fome  young  miniflers,  *'  Mind 
your  gifts  and  the  Lord  will  blefs  you, 
and  you  will  be  a  blefhng  to  the  church. 
Be  humble  and  obedient;  obedience  brings 
fweet  peace.  I  have  a  great  defire  there 
might  be  a  right  miniftry  continued  in 
the  church,  for  there  are  many  not  ftridl- 
ly  of  this  fold,  v*^ho  in  due  time  the  Lord 
will  bring  in :  And  as  you  come  to  have 
an  experience  of  tliQ  work  of  truth. in 
your  own  hearts,  you  will  be  able  to  con- 
fute them  who  perfuade  themfelves  there 
is  no  living  without  fin  in  this  world.  I 
am  not  in  a  condition  to  fpeak  much, 
neither  is  it,  I  hope,  very  needful ;  as  you 
are  thus  taught  of  the  Lord,  you  will 
have  caufe  to  rejoice  in  him  on  whom  you 
*^  ha,ve  believed," 


(       I02*    ) 

Thus  having  happily  compleated  his  day'^ 
work,  he  laid  down  his  head  in  much  re- 
fignation  and  peace  with  the  Lord,  the  ibth 
of  the  ninth  month  1735,  aged  forty  years, 
a  miniiler  about  17. 


mwJUS^i 


A   Tejihmny  from    the   Monthly -Meeting    of 
Philadelphia,     concerning  Richard 
T  o  w  N  s  E  N  D. 

E  was  a  meek  and  humble  man,  fin- 
cerely  concerned  for  the  promotion  of 
piety  and  virtue;  his  miniftry  being  found, 
living,  and  tending  to  edification,  was  well 
accepted.  He  vifited  friends  in  the  fervice 
of  truth  in  Great  Britain,  continued  faith- 
ful to  the  end  of  his  days,  and  departed  this 
life  about  the  30//?  of  the  third  month  1737. 


A.  Tejlimony  jrom  Newark  Monthly-Meeting  in 
New  Caftl'e  county  an  Delaware,^  concerning 
Christopher  Wilson, 

HE  was  born  in  Yorkfhire  Old  England, 
of  parents  who  were  members  of  the 
church  of  England.  In  his  youth  he  was 
inclined  to  vanity,  but  his  mind  being 
reached  thro'  the  vilitation  of  divine  grace. 
"When  he  grew  up,  he  joined  in  fellowlhip 
with  friends  j  and  came  to  America  in  1 7 1 2, 

being 


(•ic3     ) 

being  well  recommended  by  certificate,  tho" 
then  a  fervant.  About  1728  he  appeared  in 
the  miniftry,  firfl  in  a  few  words,  but  grow- 
ing therein,  his  appearances  were  feafonable 
and  favoury,  and  attended  with  a  degree  of 
that  life  that  "  Makes  glad  the  heritage  of 
God ;"  being  likewife  ferviceable  in  the  di- 
fcipline  of  the  church  according  to  ability. 
He  began  the  world  with  little,  but  being 
induftrious  in  the  creation,  and  concerned 
for  truth*s  profperity,  the  Lord  blefTed  his 
labours,  fo  that  he  lived  comfortably  and 
maintained  his  family  reputably,  fupport- 
ing  the  charadler  of  an  honeft  peaceable 
man,  and  was  often  inftrumental  in  reftor- 
ing  peace  amongft  others.  In  his  lafl  fick- 
neis,  being  a£ked  by  a  friend  *'  How  it  was 
with  him?"  He  anfwered,  *' If  the  melTen- 
ger  of  death  comes,  I  fee  nothing  in  my 
way."  Keeping  moflly  ftill  and  quiet,  he, 
in  a  refigned,  compofed  frame  of  mind, 
finifhed  his  courfe  the  11th  of  the  feventh 
month  1740,  in  the  fiftieth  year  of  his  age, 
a  miniiler  about  12  years,  and  was  interr'd 
in  Center  burying- ground. 


A  Teflimonyfrom  the  Monthly- Meeting  (^/'Phila- 
delphia, concerning  ThomasChalIvLEY. 

E  was  a  member  of  our  monthly-meet- 
ing above  forty  years,  fo  that  fome  of 
\is  had  opportunities  of  being  intimately  ac- 
quainted 


(     I04*) 

quainted  with  him,  and  of  knowing  hia^ 
lidelity  and  diligence  in  promoting  the  caufe 
of  truth,  and  the  edification  of  the  church 
of  Chriil;  this  having  been  the  principal 
engagement  and  concern  of  his  mind,  and 
which  he  preferred  to  any  other  confiderati- 
on ;  as  will  evidently  appear  to  thofe,  who, 
•with  an  honefl:  and  unprejudiced  intention, 
perufe  his  journal  of  his  life  and  travels. 

By  which  it  will  appear,  that  he  was,  in 
the  early  part  of  his  life,  fenfibly  aftedted 
with  the  vifitation  of  divine  life  and  grace, 
and,  by  adhering  thereunto,  was  prelerved 
from  the  vanities  and  follies,  which  often 
divert  and  alienate  the  minds  of  youth  from 
the  due  remembrance  and  awful  regard  of 
their  creator;  fo  that  he  was  enabled  to  bear 
a'  teRimony  of  chriflian  patience  and  felf- 
denial  in  his  youthful  days,  and,  by  keep- 
ing under  that  exercife,  as  he  advanced  in 
years,  attained  to  further  knowledge  and 
experience  in  the  work  of  religion,  in  which 
he  had  a  fight  of  the  neceflity  of  keeping  in 
a  ilate  of  humility,  and  of  bearing  the  crofs 
of  Chrift,  which  mortified  him  to  the  world; 
lb  that  the  lofs  many  fuftain  by  the  anxious 
purfuit  of  the  lawful  things  thereof  appear- 
ing to  him,  he  was  concerned  to  avoid  it,  and 
in  obedience  to  the  precept  of  Chrift,  to  jeek 
jirft  the  kingdom  of  Gody  mid  his  righteoitjnefs, 
having  faith  in  his  promife,  that  all  thejh 
things  yneceflary  for  him)  Jljould  be  added. 

I'hus   the   love  of  God  influencing  his 
mind  J  and  opening  his  underilanding,  he 

became 


(     '°5     ) 

became  concerned  for  the  general  good  of 
mankind,  and  received  a  gift  ot  the  mini- 
ftry  of  the  gofpel  of  Chrift,  before  he  had 
attained  the  age  of  twenty-one  years ;  in 
the  pubhc  exercife  of  which,  he  foon  after 
travelled  thro'  many  parts  of  England,  and 
intoScotland,  and  the  next  year,  being  1697, 
he  came  to  vilit  friends  in  this  and  the  ad- 
jacent provinces  of  America,  where  his  ini- 
niilry  and  converfation  were  to  the  comfort 
and  edification  of  the  faithful,  (as  fome  of 
ITS  can  with  fatisfadlion  declare,  from  our 
knowledge  and  remembrance  of  him  at  that 
time)  and  the  near  fellowfliip  and  union  he 
then  had  with  friends  here  (we  believe)  con- 
tributed to  his  more  fpeedy  determination 
of  fettling  among  vis,  which  he  afterwards 
thought  it  his  duty  to  do,  tho'  the  leaving 
his  parents  and  relations  (as  he  afterwards 
exprelfed)  was  no  fmall  crofs  to  him,  being 
of  a  dutiful  and  affectionate  difpofition. 

After  fixing  his  refidence  among  us,  he 
perfever'd  in  his  concern  and  labour  for  the 
edification  of  the  churches,  and  gathering 
people  to  faith  and  dependance  on  the  in- 
ward teachings  of  Chrift,  and  for  that  pur- 
pofe  only  he  travelled  many  long  journies 
and  voyages  through  the  feveral  Englifh 
colonies  on  this  continent,  and  moft  of  the 
iilands  in  the  Weft- Indies,  and  in  Europe, 
through  England,  Wales,  Scotland,  Ireland, 
Holland,  Frizeland,  and  feveral  parts  of 
Germany,  and  the  adjacent  northern  king- 
doms ;  and  in  many  ot  theie  places  his  mi- 

niftry 


'^i 


(  >o6"  ) 
nillry  and  religious  labours  were  blefled 
wiih  the  defired  faccefs,  of  which  there  are 
yet  fome  vvitnelfes  living,  and  others,  who 
were  convinced  of  the  principles  of  truth 
by  his  means,  became  fqrviceable  members 
of  the  church,  and  continued  therein  to  the 
end  of  their  lives. 

But  as  the  wife  king  Solomon  formerly 
obferved,  that  o.nt  event  comet h  to  the  right e^ 
ous^  and  to  the  ivicked^  fo  it  happened  to  this 
good  man,  who  met  with  various  loffes  and 
difappointments  in  his  temporal  eflate;  af- 
ter which,  the  circumftances  of  his  affairs 
engaged  him  to  undertake  fome  bufmefs,  in 
the  management  of  which  he  was  obliged 
to  crofs  the  feas  frequently :  This,  however, 
did  not  abate  his  zeal  and  religious  care  to 
make  ufe  of  all  opportunities  of  vifiting  the 
meetings  of  friends  when  among  them,  and 
of  calling,  at  other  times,  to  fuch  who 
might  be  accounted  as  the  outcnji  of  Ifraely 
and  the  dilperfed  of  'Judah,  or  as  Jideep  not  yet 
of  the  fold  of  Chriji ;  and  his  fervices  of  that 
kind  are  worthy  to  be  commemorated, 
having  been  often  produdlive  of  good  eftedls. 

His  patience  was  remarkable  in  difap- 
pointments and  afHidions,  of  which  he  had 
a  large  fhare  ;  and  his  meeknefs,  humility 
and  circumfpedion,  in  the  general  courfe 
of  his  life  and  converfation,  were  confpicu- 
ous  and  exemplary;  and  as  he  frequently 
exhorted  and  admonifhed  others  to  the  ob- 
fervation  and  pradice  of  the  many  excellent 
precepts  and  rules  of  Chrifl,  our  Lord  and 

iaw^iver^ 


(  ic)7  ) 
lawgiver,  and  more  efpecially  thofe  exprefP- 
pd  in  his  fermon  on  the  mount  (which  con- 
tains the  fum  of  our  moral  and  rehgious 
duties)  Co  he  manifefled  himfelf  to  be  one 
of  that  number,  whom  Chrifl  compared  to 
the  wife  builder,  who  laid  a  fure  foundati- 
on ;  fo  that  his  building  flood  unfhaken  by 
the  various  floods  and  winds  of  tribulations 
and  temptations  he  met  with,  both  from 
within  and  without. 

Ke  was  a  lover  of  unity  amongfl  bre- 
thren, and  careful  to  promote  and  maintain 
it,  fhewing  the  example  of  a  meek,  courte- 
ous, and  loving  deportment,  not  only  to 
friends,  but  to  all  others,  with  whom  he 
had  converfation  or  dealings  ;  fo  that  it  may 
be  truly  faid,  xh^tfew  have  lived  fo  univerjal- 
ly  beloved  and  rejpetded  among  us :  And  it 
was  manifefl  this  did  not  proceed  from  a 
defire  of  being  popular,  or  to  be  feen  of 
man :  For  his  love  and  regard  to  peace  did 
not  divert  him  from  the  difcharge  of  his 
duty  in  a  faithful  teftimony  to  thofe  that 
profefTed  the  truth,  that  they  ought  to  be 
careful  to  maintain  good  works  ;  and  he 
was  often  concern'd  zealouily  to  incite  and 
prefs  friends  to  the  exercife  of  the  good  or- 
der and  difcipline  eltabhihed  in  the  wifdom 
of  truth,  by  admonilhing,  warning,  and 
timely  treating  with  fuch  as  fell  fhort  of 
their  duty  therein,  and  by  teififying  againft 
thofe  who,  after  loving  aiid  brotherly  care 
and  endeavours,    could  not  be  brought  t(S 

the 


(     io8     ) 

the  fenfe  and  pra(5lice  of  their  duty ;  and 
thereby  he  fometimes  fhar'd  the  ill-will 
and  refentment  of  fuch  perfons. 

The  feveral  Eflays  he  wrote  on  religious 
fubjedls  at  fea,  are  further  proofs  that  his 
mind  was  principally  engaged  in  the  great 
bufinefs  and  concern  of  religion ;  and  as  he 
continued  under  the  fame  engagement  to  the 
end,  we  are  fully  perfuaded  the  words  with 
which  he  concluded  his  laft  public  teftimony 
on  the  ifland  of  Tortola,  may  be  truly  and 
properly  applied  to  him,  that  he  had  fought  a 
goodfght^  and  had  kept  the  faith,  and  we  doubt 
not,  he  noiv  enjoys  a  croivn  of  righteoufnefs. 

Much  more  might  be  truly  faid  of  his  in^ 
tegrity,  faithfulnefs  and  worth,  but  we  do 
not  think  it  neceiTary ;  our  chief  intention 
being  to  exprefs  our  refpedlful  remembrance 
of  him,  and  our  unity  with  his  labours  and 
fervices ;  and  we  are  fincerely  defirous,  that 
the  glory  of  every  good  and  perfe6l  work 
may  be  attributed  to  that  divine  power 
alone,  which  can  qualify  others  to  fupply 
the  places  of  thofe  faithful  minifters  and 
fervants  of  Chrift,  who  have  been  of  late 
years  removed  from  among  us,  and  are  of 
that  number,  of  whom  it  is  v/ritten,  hleffedare 
the  deady  n^jhich  die  in  the  Lord,  from  hence" 
forth,  yea,  faith  thefpirit,  that  they  may  reft  from 
their  labours,  and  their  'works  dofolloiv  them. 

He  departed  this  life  on  the  ifland  of  Tor- 
tola  (where  he  was  engaged  on  a  religious 
vifit)  the  4//j  day  of  the  ninth  month  1741^ 
aged  upwards  of  fixty-fix  years. 

A  Teftimon;^ 


(     109    ) 

A  Tejlimony  from  the  Monthly -Meeting  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, concerning  Esther  Clare, 

SH  E  was  a  minifler  well  qualified  for 
the  publication  of  the  doiftrine  of  the 
gofpel,  and  vifited  friends  in  Great-Britain 
and  Ireland  in  the  fervice  of  truth.  In  the 
latter  part  of  her  life,  when  not  prevented 
by  bodily  infirmities,  we  had  the  benefit  of 
her  labours  much  in  this  city;  her  teftimo- 
ny  being  frequently  attended  with  demon- 
ftration  of  divine  help,  was  well  accepted 
and  of  good  fervice.  She  departed  this  life 
the  3 J  of  the  eighth  month  1742,  in  the 
fixty-eighth  year  of  her  age,  in  unity  and 
good  efteem  among  friends. 


I  ■llB.»M.'m-V^3:pf[j{jj.|j)l^y[|^^IUIlUllJ.LIl.JMl 


A  Tefmony  from  the  Monthly-Meeting  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, concerning  Robert  Jordan. 

IT  appears,  he  was  born  in  the  county 
of  Nancemond  in  Virginia,  the  2']th  of 
the  tenth  month  1693,  of  parents  in  good 
efleem  among  friends,  and  that  about  the 
year  17 18  he  received  a  gift  in  theminiftry, 
as  did  his  brother  Jofeph  about  the  fame 
time;  and  to  their  firfl:  appearance  in  that 
weighty  work  the  labours  of  Lydia  Lancaf^ 
ter  and  her  companion  then  on  a  religious 
vifit  from  Great-Britain,  were,  under  divine 
lielp,  made  inftrumental, 

Of 


(      ilo     ) 

Of  his  firfl:  travels  in  the  fervice  of  truth, 
the  following  is  an  abflradl  from  an  account 
committed  to  writing  by  himfelf. 

*  I  early  found  a  concern  on  my  mitid 
to  vifit  friends  in  Maryland,  which  I  did 
on  both  fides  of  the  bay   (Cheafapeak)  in 
fear   and    trembling,    being   young   and 
weak,  and   the  work  very  exercifing  by 
realbn  of  an  obvious  declenlion,    which 
occafioned  ine  much  exercife  in  fpeaking 
and  writing  againft  the  fpirit  of  liberty, 
fuperflulty,  and  conformity  to  the  world, 
for  a  teltimony   againft  which,  in  many 
particulars,  ancient  friends  fuffered  much ; 
but  now,  with  many  is  the  offence  of  that 
crofs  ceafed,   and  friend's  fufferings  tram- 
pled upon,  to  the  great  grief  of  my  fpirit, 
refpecting  tythes,  apparel  &c.   And  as  the 
Lord  hath  been  picaf  ed  to  commit  a  part  of 
the  miuifiry  to  me,  and  of  that  part  vs^hich  is 
more  necelliiry  than  defirable,  in  this  age 
of  the  church,  he  hath  been  gracioufly 
pleafed  hitherto  to  furnifli  with  a  fviitable 
ability  for  his  honour,  and  my  faithful 
difcharge  of  duty ;   for,  as  before  my  ap- 
pearance I  was  long  under  the  concern, 
being  fully  convinced  it  was  required  of 
me,    but   giving  way   to   reafonings,  the 
fuggeftions  and  buffetings  of  Satan,  1  was 
likely  to  lofe  my  condition,  had  not  the 
Lord  been  very  gracious,  who  knew  that 
I  did  not  hold  back  obflinately,  but  thro' 
human  weaknefs,  and  contempt  of  my- 
felf  for  fuch  a  weighty  fervice;    fo  in  a 

'  deep 


i 


(  III  ) 

deep  travail  of  foul  once  in  a  meeting, 
breathing  for  firength   to  bring  fortii,  I 
delired,  that  the  Lord  would  commit  the 
hardefl  part  of  the  work  to  my  charge, 
which  I  think  was  granted,  and  a  hard 
travail  1  had  in  iny  firft  appearance;  but 
it    fared     otherwife    with    mv     brother, 
whom  I  prefer,  he  was  not  difobedient  to 
the  heavenly  vifion,    fubmitting  fpeedily 
to  the  call,  and  has  been  very  profperous 
hitherto  ;  may  the  Lord  preferve  us  Hea- 
dy and  faithful  to  the  end. 
'  After   this,    we   travelled   together   in 
Maryland,  vifiting  friends  on  each  fide  of 
the  bay,  and  at  the  yearly-meeting  near 
Choptank,    having  meetings   alfo  in   the 
v/ay  on  our  return,  and  were  frequently 
employed,  and  zealoufly  concerned  in  the 
Lord's   work;    blelfed  be  his  name  who 
hath  called  us  out  of  darknefs,   and  with 
the  day  fpring  from  on  high  vifited  our 
fouls,   accounting  us  worthy  of  this  high 
vocation,  even  to  hold  forth  the  glory  of 
this  gofpel  day,  giving  encouragement  and 
enlargement  of  heart  in  the  myfteries  and 
docflrines  of  his  kingdom,  fo  that  in  the 
^ability    of    divine    faith,    we   frequently 
travelled    about,     both   in   Virginia  and 
Carolina,  while  young ;    but  as  there  is  a 
diverfity  of  gifts,  fo  there  is  of  operation, 
according  to  the  good  pleafure  of  our  great 
benefa61:or,    and  the  emergency  of  times 
and  occafions ;    fo  let  not  us  of  the  mini- 
ftry,  imitate  one  another  in  this  refpetft, 

'  t>ut 


(       112      ) 

*  but  be  careful,  dear  friends,  to  keep  to  our 

*  true  guide,  the  holy  fpirit,  for  youth  is 

*  warm,    zealous,    and   without  feafonable 
'  caution  and  watchfulnefs,  apt  to  exceed 

*  ability  and  experience,  and  fo  may  be  over- 

*  drained,  and  fuflain  lofs  and  injury.' 

In  the  year  1722,  he  performed  a  religious 
vifit  as  far  as  New-England,  which  employ- 
ed him  about  ten  months,  and  on  his  return 
home,  he  was  fued  in  the  beginning  of  the 
following  year  for  priefts  wages,  and  for  his 
refufal  to  comply  with  the  demand,  he  of- 
fered to  the  magiftrates  in  writing,  fundry 
confiderations,  which  being  taken  amifs, 
he  was,  after  fome  time,  indicted  by  the 
grand  jury,  and  fummoned  before  the  go- 
vernor and  council ;  in  this  time  of  trial 
(he  fays)  *  Some  forfook  me  as  being  afham- 

*  ed  of  my  teftimony,  and  of  my  fufferings 
'  for  it ;  at  my  firft  appearance  the  fierce- 
'  nefs  ot  the  dragon  was  felt,  his  dark  pow- 
'  er  feeming  to  be  great  and  terrible,  as 
'  though  he  would  have  fwallowed  me  up 
'  quick,  and  truth's  adverfaries  feemed  to 
'  rejoice,  for  I  was  made  to  fland  like  a  fool 

*  for  them  to  glory  over  me ;  however  my 
'  mind  being  compofed,  and  flayed  in  ftill- 

*  nefs  on  the  Lord,  with  earneil  breathings 
'  for  divine  aid  in  this  his  caufe,  for  which 

*  and  myfelf,  I  found  it  fafeft  to  fay  little 
'  at  that  time,  being  greatly  defirous  that  I 

*  might  not  give  way  one  jot  from  my  tef- 
'  timony,  through  fear  even  of  death  itfelf, 
'  for  I  thought  I  felt  the  bitternefs  of  it  ftrikc 
'  at  my  natural  life^  *  On 


(     "3     ) 

*  On  the  day  when  final  judgment  on  the 

*  cafe  was  to  be  given,  I  was  brought  before 

*  them  the  ^hird  time,  and  they  demanded 

*  what  1  had  further  to  fay  before  fentence 

*  was  pafTed ;  I  then  defircd  Hberty  to  make 

*  my  defence,  and  to  give  my  fenfe  on  the 

*  contents  of  my  paper,  the  commifTary  or 

*  chief  pried  having  perverted  my  meaning, 

*  which  requefl  the  governor  feemed  dif- 

*  pofed  to  allow,  but  it  was  afterwards  de- 

*  nied,  as  I  apprehend,  through  the  influ- 

*  ence  of  the  pried,    howbeit  I  told  them  I 

*  remembred  to  have  read  a  provifo  of  an 

*  a(5l  of  parliament,  that  no  man  fliould  be 

*  punifhed  for  any  offence  againfl  the  a6l, 

*  unlefs  he   was    profecuted   within   three 

*  months   after   the  fact,  but  this,  faid  I, 
'  was  about  ievQn.  months  after;    but  fome 

*  of  the  court  refolving  on  fe verity  to  in- 

*  duce  me  to  fubmit,  they  proceeded  to  give 
'  fentence  of  a  years  imprifonment,  or  bonds 

*  with  fecurity  for  good  behaviour  &c.  when 

*  with  a   compofed  mind   and  an  audible 

*  voice,  I  faid,  this  is  an  hard  fentence  and  t 

*  pray  God  to  forgive  mine  adverjaries,  which 

*  affedled  divers  of  the  byftauders  with  tears, 

*  and  one  in  particular,  a  judge,  and  man 

*  of  note,  was   much  affeded,  made  him- 

*  felf  acquainted,    and  converfed  with  me 

*  more  than  once,  appears  to  be  a  tender 

*  man,   and  well  convinced,  having  fince 

*  gladly  received  meetings  into  his  houfe» 

*  and  as   he  has   told  me,    laid   down  his 

*  commiiTion,— 

I  *^Being 


{     114    ) 

'  Being  committed  to  prifon,  I  was  iirCt 
placed  in  the  debtors  apartment,  but  in 
a  few  days  was  removed  into  the  common 
fide,  where  condemned  perfons  are  kept, 
and  tor  fometime  had  not  the  privilege  of 
feeing  any  body,  except  a  negro  who  once 
a  day  brought  water  to  the  prifoners;  this 
place  was  fo  dark,  that  I  could  not  fee  to 
read  even  at  noon,  without  creeping  to 
fmall  holes  in  the  door;  being  alfo  very 
noifome,  the  infed:ious  air  brought  on  me 
the  flux,    that,  had  not  the  Lord  been 
pleafed  to  have  fuftained  me  by  his  invi- 
fible  hand,  1  had  there  loft  my  life;    the 
governor  was  made  acquainted  with  my 
condition,  and   1  believe  u{ed  his  endea- 
vours for  my  liberty  :  The  commiffary  vi- 
fited  lyie  njoi^e  than  once  under  a  ihew  of 
friendfliip,  but  with  a  vie\y  to  enfnare  me, 
and  I  was  very  weary  of  him.     I  wrote 
again  to  the  governor,  to  acquaint  him  of 
my  fituation ;    fo  after  a  confinement  of 
three  weeks,    I  v/as   difcharged,  without 
any  acknowledgment  or  compliance,  and 
this  brought  me  into   an  acquaintance, 
and  ready   admittance  to  the  governor, 
w  ho  i\vA  1  was  a  meek  man  &c. — Thus  I 
returned  home  with  praifc  and  thankfgiv- 
ing  in  my  iieart  to  the  Lord,    who  had 
caufed  his  truth  to  triumph  over  the  ftrong 
efforts  of  man  and  the  powders  of  the  earth/ 
In  the  year  1725,  accompanied  by  Tho- 
mas  Pleafants,  he  again  vifited  friends  in 
Maryland,    and    the   yearly-meeting   near 

Choptank, 


(     «'5    ) 

Choptank.    My  concern  here  (he  fays)  '  Was 

*  principally  to  labour  for  the  refloration  of 

*  wholelome  difcipline,  the  neglecft  whereof 
«  I  conceive  has  been  a  great  caufe  of  the 

*  diforder    and    undue  liberty    prevailing 

*  among  the  profeifors  of  truth  there,  and 

*  when  the  fervice  of  this  meeting  was  over^ 

*  we   vihted   the    meetings  on  the  weftern 

*  Ihore,  and  returned  home,  having  left  an 

*  example  of  that  ufeful  and  necefTary  prac- 

*  tice  of  vifiting  families,  joining  friends 
'  therein  for  fometime;  we  are,  thanks  be 

*  to  God,  come  and  coming  into  the  fame 
'  in  Virginia,  which,  with  fome  afTiftance, 

*  I  have  pretty  generally  performed  through 

*  our  monthly-meeting,  and  never,  I  think, 
'  was  more  fenfible  of  the  company  and 
'  ability  of  truth  in  any  fervice,  according 
'  to  the  dignity  of  it.' 

A  malicious  perfon  getting  into  his  poP- 
feflion,  the  judgment  obtained  againil  him 
for  the  demand  of  tythes  before  mentioned, 
had  feven  of  his  cattle  feized  and  appraifed, 
but  deferred  taking  them  away  until  about 
two  years  after,  when  he  procured  a  new 
adlion  againft  him,  alledging,  but  not  prov- 
ing, that  Robert  had  converted  at  lead  a 
part  of  them  to  his  own  ufe,  and  fo  manag- 
ed the  matter  in  his  abfence,  as  to  make 
the  debt  amount  to  twenty- pounds,  tho'  the 
demand  was  but  eight- pounds,  and  ferving 
the  execution  on  his  body,  he  was  again 
committed  to  prifon  in  the  twelfth  month 
1727,  where  being  confined  fifteen  weeks, 
I  2  he, 


(     "6    ) 

he  was  at  length  difcharged,  without  any 
perfon  paying  any  thing  for  him,  which  he 
woukl  not  fulTer. 

Soon  after  he  was  brought  under  a  trial, 
with  others  of  his  friends,  by  the  operati- 
in  of  a  militia-law,  whereupon  they  addreiT- 
ed  governor  Gooch  on  his  arrival,  reprefent- 
ing  to  him  their  fufferings  by  fpoil  of  goods 
and  imprifonment,  which,  with  the  friends 
who  attended  on  the  occafion,  he  received 
with  kindnefs. 

*  Having  this  year  (he  remarks)  fufFered 

*  perfecution  in  body  and  eftate,  as  a  pre- 

*  parative  to  a  greater  affli6lion,  (all  which 

*  doth  and  will  work  for  good)  my  dear  af- 

*  fedlionate  wife  was  called  away. 

The  next  year  1728,  he  embark'd  for 
Great- Britain,  v^7ith  om^  friend  Samuel  Bow- 
nas,  who  had  accomplilhed  his  journeys  on 
this  continent  in  the  fervice  of  the  gofpel ; 
and  after  performing  a  religious  vifit  to  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  England,  Scotland, 
Wales  and  Ireland,  he  proceeded  to  Barba- 
dos, and  arrived  from  thence  in  this  city 
in  1730,  tlien  went  to  Virginia,  and  in  the 
fame  year  performed  a  vifit  as  far  eaflward 
as  Rhode-liland,  accompanied  by  his  inti- 
mate friend  Caleb  Raper  of  Burlington. 

The  following  year  intermarrying  with 
Mary  the  widow  of  Richard  Hill,  he  became 
a  member  of  our  monthly-meeting,  and 
after  a  viiit  to  the  meetings  of  friends  in 
Maryland  and  Virginia,  he  embarkVl  on  a 
fecond  vifit  to  Great-Britain,  from  whence 

he 


(     117     ) 

he  returned  in  the  fummer  of  1734,  betweeij 
which  time  and  the  year  1738,  he  perform- 
ed another  vifit  eaftward,  and  three  to  the 
fouthern  provinces,  befides  one  to  South-Ca- 
rolina andGeorgia,  and  from  thence  proceed- 
ed to  Rhode-liland,  and  to  Bofton,  and  in 
1740  he  went  on  a  fecond  vifit  to  Barbados, 
and  in  the  fucceeding  year,  accompanied  by 
Caleb  Raper,  he  accomplillied  his  laft  vifit 
eaftward  as  far  as  Bofton. 

Hereby  we  may  obferve  his  unwearied  ap- 
plication and  exercife,  to  fulfill  the  miniftry 
which  he  had  received  of  the  Lord.  He  was 
a  member  of  this  meeting  above  ten  years, 
and  tho'  his  time  was  much  employed  in 
his  religious  duties  abroad,  he  did  not  omit 
the  adjacent  meetings,  being  induflrious 
and  laborious  for  the  general  welfare  and 
profperity  of  the  churches;  for  the  promoti- 
on whereof  he  was,  through  the  divine 
anointing,  eminently  qualified. 

His  miniftry  being  convincing  and  con- 
folatory,  his  delivery  graceful  but  unaffedl- 
ed;  in  prayer  he  was  fblemn  and  reverent; 
he  delighted  in  meditation,  recommending 
by  example,  religious  retirement  in  his 
familiar  vifits  among  his  friends  ;  in  his  fen- 
timents  he  was  generous  and  charitable,  yet 
a  firm  oppofer  of  obftinate  libertines  in 
principles  or  pradlice,  demonftrating  his 
love  to  the  caufe  of  Religion  and  righteouf^ 
nefs  above  all  other  confiderations,  being 
careful  to  adorn  the  docftrine  of  the  gofpel, 
by  a  life  of  piety  and  benevolence,  and  we 

have 


(     1^8    ) 

liave  ground  to  hope  and  believe  he  was 
prepared  for  the  fudden  fummons  from  his 
pilgrimage  iiere,  which  was  on  the  fifth  day 
of  the  eighth  month  O.  S.  1742,  when  be- 
ing at  the  houfe  of  one  of  his  molt  intimate 
friends  on  the  third  vlay  of  the  week  in  the 
morning,  waiting  for  the  hour  of  meeting, 
he  was  feized  with  a  fit  of  the  apoplexy, 
which  very  foon  deprived  him  of  fpeech, 
and  he  died  about  midnight  following,  in 
the  forty-ninth  year  of  his  age,  being  a 
iTiinifter  about  24  years;  his  burial  on  the 
^th  of  the  fame  month  was  attended  by  a 
great  number  of  his  fellow-citizens,  to  our 
meeting-houfe  in  High-ftreet,  and  thence 
to  the  grave-yard. 


A  Tejlmony  from  Abington  Monthly-Meeting 
in  Pennfylvania,    concerning  John  Cad- 

WALADERo 

E  was  convinced  of  the  principle  of 
truth  when  young,  and  underwent 
many  deep  baptizing  fealbns,  by  which,  it 
is  believed,  he  was  in  a  good  degree  made 
an  overcomer.  He  travelled  much  in  the 
exercife  of  his  gift  in  the  miniilry,  having 
vifited  his  brethren  in  truth's  lervice,  in 
mod  or  all  parts  of  this  continent  where 
friends  then  refided;  and  crolled  the  feas 
twice  to  Europe  on  the  fame  account,  and 
once  to  the  iiland  of  Barbados.  In  which 
concern  he  was  always  careful  to  have  the 

concurrence 


(     "9    ) 

concurrence  of  his  brethren,  and  good  ac- 
counts and  credentials  of  his  acceptable  fer- 
vice  were  upon  all  thofe  occafions  communi- 
cated to  this  monthly-meeting.  He  was  alfo 
ferviceable  amongil  us  in  meetings  of  difci- 
pline.  His  lad  vifit  was  to  the  iiland  of 
Tortola,  in  company  with  our  worthy  friend 
John  Eftaugh.  He  was  taken  unwell  on  his 
paflage  thither,  yet  when  he  landed,  pro- 
ceeded in  the  fervice  he  went  upon,  to  the 
fatisfaiflion  of  friends  there,  as  appears  from 
accounts  fent  hither  by  a  friend  of  that 
ifland.  But  his  diftemper  increafing  upon 
him,  he  departed  this  life  in  peace  on  laid 
iiland,  the  26^/:?  of  the  ninth  month  1742, 
aged  near  fixty-fix  years. 


A  Tefimonyfrom'Hs.ddonReld  Mo7ithIy- Meeting 
in  New- J  erfey ,  concerning  J  o  H  N  Es  T  a  u  g  h  . 

TEIE  remembrance  of  our  dear  deceafed 
friend  John  Eftaugh,  remains  as  a  good 
favour  on  many  of  our  minds.  He  was 
born  in  Keldevon  in  ElFex  in  Great-Britain, 
on  the  23^/  of  the  fecond  month  1676.  In 
the  year  1700,  he  came  over  to  America  on 
a  religious  vifit,  which  he  performed  to  the 
great  iatlsfaclion  of  friends  ;  after  which,  he- 
fettled  at  Haddonfield,  in  the  county  of 
Gloucefter,  and  wettern  divifion  of  New- 
J  erfey.  He  has  been  heard  to  fay,  that 
when  he  firft  fettled  in  our  parts,  he  was 

nearly 


(       120       ) 

nearly  united  to  a  folid  remnant  of  friends 
that  then  belonged  to  Newtown-meetlng, 
and  that  he  had  been  careful  to  feel  the  draw- 
ings of  the  father's  love  in  viiiting  neigh- 
bouring meetings,  in  many  of  which,  he 
was  favovired  to  minifter  fuitably  to  the 
ftates  and  conditions  of  thofe  that  heard 
him;  he  being  as  a  fcribe  well  inflrud:ed, 
who  brought  forth  out  of  the  heavenly  trea- 
fury,  things  both  new  and  old. — Since  his 
firft  fettlement  among  us,  he  vifited  friends 
in  England,  Ireland,  New-England  and 
fomeoftheWeft-India-IflandSjfeveral  times. 
He  was  an  humble  minded  exemplary  friend, 
fplid  and  grave  in  his  deportment,  well  be- 
coming a  minifter  of  Chrift,  7ealous  for  pre- 
ferving  good  order  in  the  church,  and  main- 
taining love  and  unity,  that  badge  of  true 
difciplcfliip,  remarkably  careful  in  his  con- 
verfation  among  men,  his  words  being  few 
and  favoury.  The  laft  vifit  which  he  made 
was  to  the  ifland  of  Tortola,  where  after 
his  lervice  was  over,  he  was  taken  lick,, 
and  departed  this  life :  And  we  doubt  not  but 
that  he  is  in  the  fruition  of  that  glory  and 
happiaefs  which  will  never  have  an  end.   ^ 


4n  Abjlrafi 


(       121       ) 

An  AbJlraElfrom  Elizabeth  EftangVs  Tejlimo- 
ny^  comerning  her  beloved  husband  John 
Est  A  UGH  deceafedy  prefixed  to  a  treatife 
of  his,  entitled  "  A  call  to  the  unfaithful 
profeflbrs  of  truth." 

SINCE  it  pleafed  divine  providence  fo 
highly  to  favour  me,  with  being  the 
pear  companion  of  this  dear  worthy,  1  can- 
not be  altogether  filent,  but  muft  give  fome 
fmall  account  of  the  early  working  of  truth 
in  him.  He  was  born  of  religious  parents,  but 
grew  uneafy  with  the  religious  profefTions 
of  both  father  and  mother  who  were  of  dif- 
ferent perfuafions,  and  being  a  feeker,  fell 
in  with  the  baptifts,  and  liked  them  fo  well 
he  was  near  joining  them.  But  a  neighbour 
who  was  a  friend,  being  dead,  he  was  in- 
vited to  the  burial,  where  that  worthy  mi- 
nifter  of  the  gofpel,  Francis  Stamper  of 
London,  being  led  to  fpeak  with  life  and 
power  dired:ly  to  his  ftate,  ic  made  fuch 
deep  impreflions  on  his  tender  mind,  that 
put  him  upon  fearch  into  the  principles  of 
friends,  and  being  fully  fatisfied,  joined  with 
them  in  the  feventeenth  year  of  his  age. 

About  the  eighteenth  year  of  his  age,  he 
cam^  forth  in  the  miniftry,  and  being  faith- 
ful he  grew  in  his  gift,  fo  that  in  fbme  time 
he  travelled  to  vifit  friends  in  the  north  of 
England,  and  Scotland,  and  in  the  year  1700 
came  over  on  a  vifit  to  friends  in  America. 
We  were  married  on  the  fii,ft  day  of  the  tenth 

month 


(       122       ) 

month  1702,  and  fettled  at  Haddonfieid  in 
New-  jerfey.  In  the  fore  part  of  his  time  he 
travelled  pretty  much ;  but  in  the  latter  part 
he  was  prevented  therefrom  by  an  infirmity 
of  body;  and  his  good  mafter,  who  requires 
no  impoffibiUties  of  his  fervants,  favoured 
him  with  being  eafy  at  home;  where  thro' 
mercy,  we  Uved  very  comfortably  ;  few,  if 
any,  in  a  married  (late,  ever  lived  in  fweet-r 
er  harmony  than  we  did.  He  was  a  patterill 
of  moderation  in  all  things ;  not  lifted  up 
with  any  enjoyments,  nor  caft  down  at  dif- 
appointments  ;  a  man  endowed  with  many 
good  gifts,  which  rendered  him  very  agreie- 
able  to  his  friends,  and  much  more  to  me, 
his  wife. 

After  fome  years  of  indifpofition,  (as  be- 
fore is  obferved)  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  re- 
ftore  him  to  a  (late  of  health  ;  and  foon  af- 
ter he  had  a  concern  to  vifit  friends  at  Tor- 
tola.  This  brought  on  him  a  deep  exercife, 
but  when  he  was  confirmed  it  was  really  re- 
quired of  him,  he  gave  up  to  it ;  and  was 
then  weaned  from  home,  and  the  company 
there  which  ufed  to.  be  fo  pleafant  to  him. 
He  firft  wrote  to  friends  on  that  ifland  ;  but 
finding  that  would  not  excufe  him,  he  durft 
no  longer  delay ;  fo,  on  the  1 3^/7  of  the 
eighth  month  1742,  we  parted  in  the 
aboundings  of  love  and  afFedion.  And  now, 
the  mod  acceptable  account  I  can  give  of 
his  fervice  in  Tortola,  is  extracted  from  two 
letters  which  1  received  from  a  friend  of  that 
place,  direded  to  me,  and  to  the  following 
cjiTed,  vizc  *  0% 


(     1^3     ) 

*  On  the  eighth  of  the  ninth  month  1742, 
he  arrived  at  the  houfe  of  John  Pickering 
with  his  companion  John  Cadwalader, 
where  they  were  received  with  much  love 
and  greatjoy,  being  made  to  rejoice  together 
in  the  tender  mercies  and  love  of  God, 
which  was  greatly  manifefted  that  day, 
to  the  honour  and  praifeof  his  great  name, 
and  alfo  to  the  comforting  of  his  poor  peo- 
ple. The  teflimonies  of  thefe  fervants  of 
the  Lord  were  with  life  and  power,  and 
were  as  clouds  fill'd  with  rain  upona  thir- 
fty  land. — 

*  But  to  be  more  particular  concerning 
thy  dear  hufband,  whole  memory  is  dear 
and  precious  to  me,  and  many  more  whofe 
hearts  were  open  to  receive  the  glad-ti- 
dings which  he  brought.  His  godly  life 
and  converl'ation  fpoke  him  to  be  a  true 
follower  of  the  the  Lamb,  and  minilter  of 
Jefus  Chrifi,  whom  he  freely  preached^ 
and  by  the  effeflual  power  of  whofe  di- 
vine love,  was  he  called  forth  to  our  af- 
fiilance,  for  which  we  blefs,  praife  and 
magnify  the  God  of  all  our  mercies :  And 
as  a  faithful  melTenger,  with  much  love, 
in  a  tender  frame  of  fpirit,  would  he  in- 
vite all  to  the  fountain  which  had  healeci 
him.  O !  the  deep  humility  that  appear- 
ed in  him  in  the  time  of  his  public  tefti- 
mony;  and  when  in  private  con verfation 
with  his  near  and  dear  friends,  as  he  of- 
ten faid  we  were  to  him,  how  cheerful  and 
pleafant  would  he  be,  in  that  bleiled  free- 
dom 


(       124      ) 

*  do m  wherein  Chrift  had  made  him  free, 

*  Innocent,  harmlefs,  of  a  cheerful  coun- 
'  tenance,    yet  not  without  a  chriftian  gra- 

*  vity  well  becoming  the  dodlrine  he  preach- 

*  ed.     He  was  valiant  for  the  truth  to  the 

*  laft,  and  tho'  he  is  gone  to  his  gravej  his 

*  memory  is  fweet  and  precious, 

'  He  had  his  health  very  well  until  the 

*  death  of  his  dear  companion;    but  going 

*  to  his  burial,  we  were  caught  in  a  fliower 

*  of  rain,  which  we  and  he  believed  was 

*  the  occafion  of  his  illnefs.     However,  he 

*  was    mightily  favoured  with  the  divine 

*  prefence,  which  enabled  him  to  anfwer 
'  the  fervice  of  that  day ;  and  the  next,  be^ 
^  ing  the  firft  day  of  the  week,  we  had  a 
^  blelTed  m.eeting,   the  Lord's  prefence  ac-^ 

*  companying  us ;  and  tho'  thy  dear  huf- 

*  band  was  fo  near  his  end,  his  candle  fliin'd 

*  as  bright  as  ever,  and  many  that  beheld 

*  it  were  made  to  glorify  God  on  his  behalf. 

*  This  was  the  laft  opportunity  on  this  ifland, 
'  fave  his  farewell  upon  his  dying  bed, 
'  where  he  both  preached  and  prayed,  a  lit-=- 

*  tie  before  his  departure. 

'  On  the  next  day,  being  the  fecond  day 

*  of  the  week,  he  went  to  a  little  ifland  call- 

*  ed  Jos  Vandicks,  accompanied  with  feve^ 

*  ral  friends;    but  on  the   3^  day  in  the 

*  morning  he  complained  very  much,  yet 

*  was  enabled  to  go  to  meeting,  where  a 

*  pretty  many  people  were  ailembled,  and 

*  a  bleffed  opportunity  we  had  together,  to 
'  the  tendring  and  melting  our  hearts  into 
'  a  heavenly  frame.  *  But 


(       125       ) 

*  But  he  who  never  fpared  his  labotii? 
whilft  amongit  us,  extenduig  his  voice  as 
a  trumpet  of  the  Lord's  own  founding, 
was  fo  inwardly  fpent  he  was  ready  to 
faint.  However,  he  went  on  board  the 
floop  that  afternoon,  and  next  morning 
came  afliore  at  our  houfe;  where  he  had 
not  been  long  before  a  Ihivering  fit  feized 
him,  and  a  fever  foon  followed,  which 
kept  its  conftant  courfe  every  day.  This 
being  the  17?  day  of  tlie  tenth  month,  he 
took  great  notice  that  it  ended  forty  years 
fince  his  marriage  with  theej  that  during 
that  time  you  had  lived  in  much  love,  and 
parted  in  the  fame;  and  that  thou  waft 
his  greateft  concern  of  all  outward  enjoy- 
mencs.  And  tho'  thelaft  two  days  he  was 
in  much  pain,  yet  he  was  preferved  under 
it  in  much  patience  and  refignation,  and 
had  his  perfed;  fenfes  to  the  laft,  exhort- 
ing friends  to  faithfulnefs,  &c.  And  on 
the  6th  day  of  the  tenth  month,  about 
fix-o'clock  at  night,  he  v^qwx.  away  like  a 
lamb,  with  praifes  and  thankigivings  in 
his  lips  but  about  two  minutes  before.' 
Thus  far  from  the  laid  letters. 

And  thus  finiflied  this  dear  worthy  in  the 
fixty-feventh  year  of  his  age;  highly  fa- 
voured by  his  great  and  good  mafter  in  the 
very  extreme  moments ;  the  condderation 
whereof,  and  the  account  given  of  his  fer- 
vice,  afford  me,  at  times,  fome  relief.  i\nd 
I  have  a  fecret  fatisfaiflion  in  that  I  was  en- 
abled to  give  him  up  (cho'  i^o  dear  to  me) 

unto 


(       126      ) 

unto  the  fervice  into  which  he  was  Called 
This  is  a  hint  for  thofe  who  may  be  under 
the  like  exercife  and  trial,  that  they  may  not 
hold  back,  but  ihbmit,  and  freely  give  up 
their  all,  leaving  the  confequence  to  the  wile 
difjpofing  hand,  who  knows  for  what  caufd 
it  is,  he  is  pleafed  (o  nearly  to  try  his  people^ 


A  Te/iimony  from  the  Monthly-Meeting  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, cGticerning  Samuel  Preston. 

E  was  born  in  Maryland,  but  remov- 
ing to  fettle  in  and  near  this'  city,  he 
became  and  continued  a  member  of  this 
tneeting;  being  an  elder  circumfpecfl  in  his 
conduct,  and  carefully  concern'd  for  the 
good  of  the  church,  adive  and  ferviceable 
in  the  maintenance  of  oar  chriftian  difei- 
pline ;  and  by  his  attention  to  the  did:ates 
of  divine  grace,  he  became  well  qualified 
for  this  fervice.  He  filled  fome  flations  in 
the  government,  wherein  he  acquitted  him- 
lelf  with  juftice  and  uprightnels ;  and  be- 
ing endued  with  a  clear  judgment  and  good 
underftanding,  his  integrity  to  what  he  be- 
lieved to  be  his  duty,  became  confpicuous 
and  inftruclive;  being  a  lover  of  truth,  and 
extenfive  in  his  charity  to  mankiitd.  ]u.  his 
lad:  illnefs  he  difcovered  great  relignation  of 
mind,  and  much  love  and  fellov/ihip  with 
Iiis  brethren,  with  whom  he  lived  and  died 
in  vJood  unity. 

He 


(     1^7    ) 
He  departed  this  life  on  the   loth  of  the 
feventh  month   1743,  in  the  feventy-nlnth 
year  of  his  age. 

His  firfl  wife  Rachel,  was  one  of  the 
daughters  of  our  worthy  friend  Thomas 
Lloyd,  and  was  faid  to  have  been  a  very 
ferviceable,  judicious,  and  valuable  woraan. 

His  fecond  wife,  was  Margaret  the  widow 
of  Jofiah  l..angda]e  (a  worthy  minifter  who 
lived  in  Yorklhire  in  Great-Britain,  and 
had  formerly  vifited  friends  in  America,  but 
concluding  afterwards  to  remove  with  his 
family  to»Pennfylvania,  he  died  on  his  pal- 
iage  in  the  year  172 3.]- — Concerning  the  faid 
Margaret,  the  aforefaid  monthly-meeting  of 
Philadelphia  thus  teftify. 

**  She  was  endued  with  an  excellent  gift 
in  the  miniflry,  and  travelled  much  in  the 
fervice  of  truth  through  this  and  the  neigh- 
bounng  provinces ;  her  teilimony  being 
lively,  found  and  edifying,  was  well  re- 
ceived among  friends ;  being  likewife  well 
cualified  for  the  maintenance  ot  our  difci- 
pline,  fhe  became  an  ufetul  inilrument  for 
the  promotion  and  fupport  of  our  chrilliaa 
teftiniony.  She  died  the  23^/  of  the  fixth 
month  1742,  in  the  fifty-eighth  year  of  her 
age. 

According  to  John  Ptutty's  account,  flue 
we4t  frorn  Yorklhire  on  a  religious  viiic 
to  Ireland  in  1:715, 

A  Tcjlmony 


(     128     ) 

ATeJlimony  from  friends  zw  Virginia,  concernihg 
Thomas  Pleasants. 

HE  was  the  eldefl  fori  of  John  and  Do- 
rothy Pleafants,  and  born  the  3^  of 
the  ninth  month  1695;  being  a  youth  of 
good  natural  parts,  and  well  inftru(5led  in 
fchool-Iearning.  His  father  dying  whilfl:  he 
was  young,  he  was  deprived  of  the  additi- 
onal advantage  of  the  admonitions  and  re- 
ftraints  cf  a  worthy  parent,  fo  beneficial  to 
the  forming  the  minds  of  youth:  Neverthe- 
lefs  he  had  an  eye  to  the  recompence  of  re-^ 
ward,  and  about  the  twenty- ninth  year  of 
his  age  was  called  to  the  work  of  the  mini- 
itry,  in  which  he  laboured  both  amongft 
friends  and  other  people  much  to  fatisfa(5ti-* 
on,  having  meetings  where  none  had  been 
held  before.  Once,  in  company  with  his 
brother  Robert  Jordan,  he  vifited  friends  on 
the  weftern  fhore  of  Maryland,  and  alfo  at- 
tended the  yearly-meeting  at  (^hoptank,  on 
the  eaftern  Ihore.  His  fervices  feemed  much 
confined  to  his  own  country,  where,  tho* 
the  number  of  friends  was  fmall,  he  was 
not  difcouraged  thereat,  but  endeavoured 
to  difchajge  his  duty  amongft  them,  not 
only  at  the  adjacent  meetings  but  thof'*  more 
at  a  difiance,  and  was  made  inftrumental 
in  convincing  feveral  in  the  upper  parts  of 
the  colony,  as  well  as  in  fettling  two  or 
three  meetings.  A  few  years  before  his  de- 
ceale,  he  wrote  an  epiftle,  directed  to  friends 

in 


(      129     ) 

in  every  fiation,  but  more  particularly  to 
the  minifters,  thereby  further  demonltra- 
ring  that  his  diligence  and  labours  proceed- 
ed from  an  earned  concern  for  the  promo- 
tion of  truth  and  a  ri^ht  gofpel  mmiftry. 
He  was  indeed  a  man  much  devoted  to  the 
fervice  of  truth,  and  a  confiderable  fufferer 
for  bearing  his  teftimony  againil  priefts- 
wages,  having  once  been  a  prifoner  on  that 
account.  He  married  Mary  the  daughter 
of  Robert  Jordan  of  Nancemond  county, 
and  left  a  numerous  offspring,  fome  of  them 
young,  for  wliofe  eternal  welfare  he  was 
particularly  folicitous;  being  once  on  avilit 
to  friends  at  Ibme  diftance  from  home,  he 
was  taken  very  ill,  and  feemed  defirous  that 
he  might  finiih  his  courfe  among  his  dear 
children,  in  order  that  he  might  have  an 
opportunity  at  that  awful  period,  of  enfor- 
cing his  experienced  advices  to  them^  and 
promoting  the  caufe  of  God  to  which  he  was 
much  devoted  to  the  lail.  Accordingly  he 
departed  this  life  at  his  own  houfe  the  2^th 
of  the  eleventh  month  1744,  and  on  the 
28/i?  of  the  fame  month  was  interr'd  in  the 
family  burying-ground  at  Curies,  attended 
by  a  numerous  company  of  friends  and 
neighbours* 


A  Teftimony 
K 


(     ^3*     ) 

A  TeJlifHony  from  Gwynedd  Monthly-Meeting 
in  Pennlylvania,  concerning  C A dwal la- 
de R  Evans. 

HE  was  a  native  of  the  principality  of 
Wales,  and  arrived  in  Pennfylvania 
in  the  year  1698.  And  altho'  h«  was  not 
then  in  profefTion  with  friends,  yet  he  foon 
after  entered  into  clofe  feilowfhip  with  them, 
and  continued  ftedfaft  to  his  end.  He  was 
a  diliijent  and  feafonable  attender  of  our  re-^ 
ligious  meetings:  On  iirft  days  particular- 
ly, he  was  ready  an  hour  before  the  time 
appointed,  and  then  read  feveral  chapters 
in  the  bible  or  fome  religious  book:  As  the 
time  approached,  he  would  frequently  ob- 
ferve  the  time  of  day,  and  by  means  of 
jTuch  watchful  care,  he  was  leated  in  meet- 
ings one  of  the  firil:,  and  fcarcely  ever  af- 
ter the  time  appointed.  The  gravity  and 
compofure  of  his  countenance  as  he  fat  in 
lilence,  was  no  lefs  remarkable  than  his 
punclual  attendance,  and  befpoke  fuch  in*' 
ward  recolle(5lion  and  divine  engag;ement  of 
mind,  as  often  attracfted  the  eyes  and  affecfted 
the  hearts  of  others. 

He  received  a  gift  in  the  miniftry,  in  the 
exercile  whereof,  he  was  generally  led  to 
fpeak  of  his  own  experience  in  religion  and 
the  chriftian  warfare;  and  his  teifimony, 
rho'  Ihort,  was  initruclive,  lively,  and  ma- 
nifeilly  attended  with  divine  iWeetnefs : 
NocwithllandinG(  it  was  always  acceptable, 

he 


(     «3i     ) 

he  was  x^ery  cautious  of  appearing,  left  any, 
as  he  often  faid,  ihould  be  drawn  from  a 
right  concern  of  mind,  to  place  their  de- 
pend ance  on  words. 

He  was  zealoully  concerned  for  tlie  ho- 
nour and  promotion  of  truth,  and  fupporc 
of  our  chriftian  difcipline;  and  being  en- 
dued with  difcerning,  and  clear  judgment 
tempered  with  charity,  he  was  very  ufeful 
in  many  fervices  of  the  church,  efpecially 
that  weighty  one  of  viliting  friends  in  their 
families.  And  altho'  he  was  naturally  of 
a  warm  difpoiition,  yet  a  tender  regard  to 
the  fervice  of  truth,  and  a  continual  awe 
of  the  divine  prefence  prefided  in  his  heart* 
infomuch  that  meeknefs  and  condefcention 
were  confpicuous  in  his  conducft. 

There  was  a  freedom  and  affability  in  his 
behaviour  and  converfation,  which  indicat- 
ed a  benevolence  of  heart,  and  endeared  him, 
not  only  to  the  houJJDold  of  faith ^  but  alfo 
to  the  profligate  and  vain ;  rendering  him 
ferviceable  in  compofing  differences,  and  in 
comforting  the  fick  and  afflicted ;  and  par- 
ticularly in  that  ildlful  and  tender  office  of 
healing  difcord  in  private  families,  wherein 
his  endeavours  were  remarkably  fuccefsful. 
In  fuch  fervices,  he  fpent  much  of  the  lat- 
ter part  of  his  life,  riding  about  from  one 
houfe  to  another;  and  where  no  caufeof  re- 
prehenfion  appeared,  he  interfperfed  his  dif- 
courfe  on  common  alfairs,  with  ufeful  hints, 
folid  remarks,  and  Icffons  of  inftruclion. 
But  where  rvdmonition  or  comfort  were  ne- 
K  2  ccffiry, 


(       132      ) 

cefTary,  the  propriety  of  his  advice  and  th^ 
nprightfiefs  of  his  hfe,  added  weight  to  his 
labours,  and  feldom  failed  of  good  ejffects. 

In  private  life,  few  had  a  better  claim  to  the 
virtues  of  temperance,  juflice,  induftry  and 
frugaUty^  and  as  he  well  knew  how  advan- 
tageous it  was,  "  To  train  up  a  child  in  the 
way  he  fliould  walk,"  he  took  frequent  op- 
portunities to  drop  his  experienced  advice 
among  thofe  under  his  care.  It  was  his 
practice,  in  winter  evenings  efpecially,  to 
read  the  holy  fcriptures  in  his  family,  and 
was  particularly  careful  that  neither  child 
nor  fervant  fhould  be  from  home  at  unfea- 
fonable  hours ;  being  highly  fenfible  how 
flippery  the  paths  of  youth  are,  and  how 
numerous  the  fnares  which  attend  them. 

He  was  greatly  favoured  in  the  ufe  of  his 
natural  abilities,  and  enjoyed  an  uncommon 
Ihare  of  health  until  his  lad  illnefs,  which 
was  Ihort ;  during  that  time,  very  many 
came  to  fee  him,  who  Ihewed  great  marks 
of  eileem  and  afTecflion  ;  and  even  libertines 
whom  he  had  often  rebuked  and  treated 
with,  were  deeply  affedled  with  forrow:  In- 
deed it  was  rare  to  fee  fo  many  tears  ihed  at 
a  $ck  bed,  more  efpecially  of  one  of  his 
years,  which  gave  a  proof  that  he  had  not 
outlived  his  fervices.  His  foul  overflowed 
with  love  to  God  and  man,  and  being  fa- 
voured in  his  lad  moments,  with  a  bieffed 
hope  and  confidence,  he  was  going  to  that 
place  which  God  had  prepared  for  thofe  that 

love 


(     133     ) 

love  him ;  he  had  a  happy  exit  from  time 
to  eternity,  the  30//?  of  tiie  tliird  month  1 745, 
aged  eighty-one. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Ken  net  Monthly-Meeting  in. 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  William 
Levis. 

WILLIAM  LEVIS,  ofKennetin 
Chefter  county  Pennfylvania,  fon 
of  Samuel  Levis  an  early  fettler  in  Spring- 
field in  faid  county,  was  born  in  Spring- 
field aforefaid,  about  the  year  1688,  and 
removed  to  Kennet  about  1718.  By  giv- 
ing heed  to  the  meafure  of  grace  bellowed 
upon  him,  he  became  a  ferviceable  friend 
in  the  fociety  in  divers  refpecls  ;  was  a  good 
neighbour,  kind  and  open  hearted  to  his 
friends,  and  has  left  a  good  report. 

His  lafl  ficknefs  was  the  fmall  pox,  which 
was  heavy  upon  him,  but  he  bore  it  with 
much  patience  and  refignacion  of  mind  to 
the  lad;  faying,  that  when  the  dillemper 
came  into  the  houle,  it  was  no  ilirprize  to 
him,  for  he  was  freely  relignsd,  and  thank- 
ful he  was  fo,  for  he  could  not  of  himfelf. 
U'he  fame  evening  he  was  taken  fick,  he 
figned  his  will,  and*  remark'd  howr  good  it 
was  to  be  contented  to  bear  afflicfllon.  Owt 
night,  as  thole  that  watched  v/ith  him  were 
preparing  fomethingfor  him  to  take,  he  laid, 
*  You  Ihall  fee  your  eudeavours  for  me  will 

avail 


(     134    ) 

avail  notliing,*  He  continued  in  a  ftate  of 
refignation  and  appeared  cheerful  in  the 
time  of  his  ilhiefs.  When  nearer  his  end, 
he  was  conccrn'd  that  others  might  do  their 
duty  faithfully  according  to  the  bed  of 
their  underflanding,  faying,   '  I  have  often 

*  thought  at  other  times  as  at  this,  of  the 

*  Ihortnefs  of  our  lives  and  time  here,  and 
'  the  uncertainty  thereof,  which  ought  to 

*  engage  us  to  circumfpe{5tion  and  faith- 
'  fulnefs  to  the  Lord,  and  I  charge  you  here 

*  that  are  elders,   to  difcharge  your  truft 

*  faithfully  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  having 
'  your  eye  fingle  to  him,  and  let  nothing  of 

*  felf  rule,  and  then  his  work  will  be  car- 

*  ried  on  in  love  and  patience.  I  could  be 
glad  to  have  an  opportunity  once  more 
with  my  friends,  but  if  I  ihould  not,  I 
would  have  thofe  prefent,  to  acquaint 
them  with  what  I  have  to  fay,  and  prefs 
it  home  to  the  elders,  that  they  may  faith- 
fully difcharge  their  duty,  and  acquic 
themfelves  of  that  charge  wherewith  they 
are  entrulted;  and  alio  that  parents  of 
children  and  heads  of  families,  may  faith- 
fully difcharge  that  great  duty  which  is 
laid  upon  them,  not  only  in  being  good 
examples  to  their  children  and  families, 
but  alfo  to  be  concerned  that  they  follow 
their  footfleps,  adding,  it  was  a  noble 
tedimony  that  God  gave  of  Abraham,  / 
knoiv  hun^  that  he  ivili  command  bis  chil- 
dren Mid  his  hrmjhold  after  him.  And  if 
parents  were  concerned  to  teach  their  chii- 

*  dren 


(     135     ) 

dren  and  bring  them  up  in  the  way  of 
their  duty  to  God,  and  lefs  concern'd  to 
deck  and  let  them  ofF,  and  provide  things 
to  make  them  look  great  in  the  world,  it 
would  be  of  far  more  benefit  to  them. 
And  my  defire  is,  that  elders  may  walk 
faithfully  as  good  flewards,  not  only  in 
their  own  families,  but  to  the  flock  which 
they  have  the  overfight  of;  that  fo  they 
may  leave  a  good  favour  to  the  rifing  and 
fucceeding  generation.  I  am  feniible  that 
all  thofe  who  are  rightly  concerned  for  the 
difcipline  and  promotion  of  truth,  will 
meet  with  trials  from  that  libertine  fpirit 
which  would  lay  all  wafte ;  thefe  will  fay, 
that  religion  confifls  not  in  fuch  fmall 
things ;  but  I  have  oblerved,  that  ojie 
fmall  thing  makes  way  for  another,  and 
greater  things  will  take  place  ;  and  it  there 
is  not  a  careful  watching  againfl  thefe 
fmall  things,  the  eye  that  Ihould  be  kepc 
open  to  fee  the  evil  of  them,  will  become 
darkened.  But  keep  ye  your  places,  and 
labour  in  faithfulnels  with  fuch,  if  pofli-^ 
ble  to  gain  them ;  but  if  after  friends  la- 
bour, they  will  not  be  gathered,  friends 
will  be  clear  and  have  peace  in  themfelves; 
but  a  blaft  will  come  on  fuch  troublefome 
fpirits.  And  as  friends  faithfully  main- 
tain this  their  difcipline,  the  Lord  will 
preferve  theni,  but  if  they  neglccl  it  they  . 
will  furely  llilFcr  lofs.'  To  Ibmc  preient 
who  had  been  engaged  in^the  fervice  of  viilt- 
ing  families^  he  laid  *  It  was  a  good  work 
'  '  and 


(     136    ) 

*  and  defired  it  might  not  be  forgotten.' 
At  another  time,  being  in  a  weighty  frame 
of  mind,  he  faid,  *  There  is  an  enemy  bu- 
'  fy  to  accufe  the  innocent,  and  prompts 
'  on  the  wicked  in  their  wickednefs.'  See- 
ing his  affectionate  wife  and  iifter  with  fome 
neighbours  weeping,    he  Ikid,  *  Don't  weep 

*  for  me,  but  be  you  faithful,  and  we  fliall 
'^  meet  again,  for  it  is  the  hardefl  of  all  to 
'  fee  you  weep.' 

The  morning  before  he  died,  he  defired 
to  be  helped  to  the  chamber  where  his  eldeft 
fon  lay  ill  of  the  fame  diforder,  and  fitting 
down  by  him,  he  charged  his  children  to 
be  dutiful  to  their  mother,  and  have  a  care 
of  doing  any  thing  that  would  be  a  trouble 
to  her,  but  mind  to  take  her  advice,  and 
defired  a  bielling  might  attend  them;  ad- 
ding,  '  My  race  is  almoft  run,  and  I  fhall 

*  lay  down  my  head  in  peace  with  the  Lord; 
'  and  if  you  are  faithful  (meaning  his  wife 
^  and  children)  and  live  in  the  fear  ot  God, 

*  he  will  blefs  you.'  After  fome  time  of 
filence,  he  iaid,  '  Farewell  my  fon,  the  Lord 

*  blefs  thee  my  child,  and  thine  after  thee/ 
Being  then  helped  down  Ihiirs,  he  fat  in 
his  chair,  and  after  a  time  of  filence,  clafp- 
ed  his  hands  together,  faying  with  a  com- 
pofed  countenance,  *  1  blels  thee  O  Lord.' 
Afterwards  laying  flill  in  a  quiet  compoled 
frame  of  mind,  he  grew  weaker  and  weak- 
er, and  about  the  ninth  hour  in  the  even- 
ing, departed  witiiout  figh   or  groan,  like 

one 


f   137   ) 

one  going  to  fleep,  and  we  believe  in  peace 
With  God  and  unity  with  faithful  friends. 

He  died  the  17//?  of  the  fecond  month 
1747,  in  the  fifty-ninth  year  of  his  age, 
and  was  interr'd  in  Kennet  burying-ground, 
the  1  ()th  of  the  fame  month. 


A  Tefiimony  from  Gwynedd  Monthly-Mce'mgin 
Peinifylvania,  concerning  Evan  Evans. 

E  was  born  in  Merioneth Oiire,  in  the 
principality  of  Wales,  in  the  year 
16H4,  and  came  to  Penniylvania  with  his 
parents  in  1698;  ander  whom  he  received 
a  fober  religious  education ;  but,  being  ear- 
ly ni  life  convinced,  that  a  form  of  godli- 
nefb,  without  the  real  enjoyment- of  the 
quickening  principle  of  grace  and  truth, 
would  not  afford  folid  and  lafling  peace  to 
his  foul,  he  therefore  fought  earneftly  after 
it,  and  refigned  his  heart  to  the  baptizing 
power  of  God,  which  fitted  him  for  eminent 
fervices  in  the  church. 

In  his  conftant  attendance  at  our  religi- 
ous meetings,  he  was  a  remarkable  example 
of  unafFecfted  piety ;  for  whilft  he  fat  in 
filence,  the  earneflnefs  wherewith  his  foul 
"  wreftled  for  a  blelFrng,"  was  obvious  in  the 
fleady  engaged  appearance  of  his  counte- 
nance. He  was  favoured  with  an  excellent 
gift  in  the  miniftry,  which  he  exercifed  in 
iblemn  di'ead  and  reverence  j  and  as  he  al- 
ways 


(     «38    ) 

ways  retained  an  awful  fenfe  of  appearing 
ill  public  rellimony,  he  was  particularly- 
cautious  and  watchful,  not  to  prefume  to 
fpeak  without  aflurance  of  a  necelhty  being 
laid  upon  him,  and  equally  careful  to  at- 
tend to  the  continuance  of  it :  And  there- 
fore his  **  Preaching  was  not  with  enticing 
words  of  man's  wifdom,  but  in  the  demon- 
llration  of  the  fpirit  and  of  power."  His 
fervice  was  rendered  more  effedlual,  by  the 
diftinguifliing  marks  which  he  bore,  of 
**  An  Ifraeliteindeedjin  whom  was  no  guile,'* 
a  plainncfs  and  fimplicity  of  manner  in 
word  and  deed,  with  a  zeal  feafoned  with 
divine  love;  and  as  he  had  large  experience 
in  the  work  of  regeneration  and  the  myfte- 
ries  of  the  heavenly  kingdom,  as  well  as 
the  fnares  of  the  world,  he  was  thereby 
well  qualified  to  adminirter  to  the  ftates  of 
the  people. 

He  travelled  through  many  of  thefe  colo- 
nies in  the  fervice  of  the  miniftry,  in  com- 
pany with  his  relation  and  dear  friend  Johri 
Evans.  Their  friendlhip  was  pure,  fer- 
vent, and  lading  as  their  lives,  and  their 
feparation  a  wound  to  the  latter,  the  re- 
membrance of  which  he  never  wholly  fur- 
vived.  He  alfo  frequently  vifited  the  feve-^ 
ral  counties  in  this  province,  and  more  par- 
ticularly many  of  the  adjacent  meetings  in. 
their  infancy ;  wherein  his  unwearied  la- 
bours of  love,  tended  much  to  their  com- 
fort, growth,  and  ellablifhment  in  the  truth* 

He 


(     139     ) 

He  was  rellgioufly  concerned  for  the  fup- 
port  of  our  chriftian  difcipiine ;  and  as  he 
was  always  diffident  of  himfelfj  he  labour- 
ed faithfully  for  the  dilbovery  of  truth  and 
a  difpolition  of  mind  to  embrace  it;  where- 
by he  was  often  enabled  to  lay  "  Judgment 
to  the  line,  and  righteoufnefs  to  tne  plum- 
met," whether  in  reproof  to  the  obdurate, 
or  inftrucftion  and  comfort  to  the  penitent. 
In  viliting  friends  families  his  fervice  was 
great ;  for  being  endued  with  a  fpirit  of  dif- 
cerning  and  the  authority  of  truth,  his  ad- 
vice was  adapted  with  great  propriety  and 
advantage,  to  the  particular  flates  and  con- 
ditions of  perfons  and  families.  His  con- 
duel  and  con  verlation  in  common  life,  adorn- 
ed the  docflrine  he  preached,  being  a  good 
example  of  plainneis,  moderation,  and  up- 
righcnefs  of  heart. 

He  was  abroad  in  the  fervice  of  truth 
when  attacked  with  his  lall  illnefs;  and  as 
the  diforder  was  flow  and  tedious,  he  attend- 
ed feveral  meetings  in  the  forepart  thereof; 
in  fome  of  which,  his  lively  powerful  telti- 
monies  clearly  manifefted,  that  the  God  of 
his  youth  who  had  raifed  him  up  an  inflru- 
ment  in  his  hand,  and  on  whom  he  had 
relied  all  his  life,  continued  to  be  his  Ihield 
and  fupport  in  the  evening  of  his  days  and 
period  of  life;  which  was  on  the  2/^th  of 
the  fifth  month  1747.  He  was  buried  at 
Gwynedd, 

A  Tejiinvmy 


A  Teflmony  from  Buckingham  Monthly- Meet- 
ing in  Pennlylvania,  concerning  Jacob 
.    H  o  L  c  o  M  B  E. 


H 


E  was  born  at  or  near  Tiverton  in  Old 
England,  being  a  defcendant  of  friends: 
His  father  died  while  he  was  young,  and  his 
mother  brought  him  up  to  ufeful  learning, 
being  naturally  of  a  quick  and  cheerful  dif- 
pofition,  and  his  capacity  large  and  exten- 
five.  The  prime  and  ftrength  of  his  days, 
was,  much  of  it,  fp^nt  in  folly  and  vanity, 
tintil  it  pleafed  the  Lord  efFe6lually  to  touch 
his  heart,  and  favour  him  with  a  clofe  vi- 
fitation  of  his  blefled  truth,  which  wrought 
a  willingnefs  in  him  to  take  up  the  crofs, 
and  lubmit  to  the  Lord's  righteous  judg- 
ments, whereby  he  came  to  witnefs  a  being 
redeemed  from  his  former  converfation,  and 
was  often  zealoufly  concerned  to  tell  others, 
what  the  Lord  had  done  for  his  foul.  He 
^  was  frequent  and  diligent  in  the  exercife  of 

his  gitt  in  the  miniftry,  which  was  accept- 
able ;  often  fignifying  he  was  as  one  born 
out  of  due  time :  He  was  zealous  in  mam- 
tainiiig  the  difcipline  of  the  church,  where- 
in he  was  clear  and  his  labour  very  helpful 
and  ferviceable ;  very  diligent  in  attending 
'meetings  for  worfhip  and  difcipline,  where- 
in he  was  exemplary  by  his  iteady  waiting 
and  lively  labour  that  life  might  be  wit* 
uefled. 

In 


(     141     ) 

In  his  laft  illnefs,  which  was  fliort,  he  ap- 
peared cheerful,  patient  and  refigned ;  fay- 
ing,  '  There  was  no  cloud  in  his  way,  that 

*  he  was  thankful  he  had  known   his   re- 

*  deemer  to  live,  and  redeem  him  from  all 

*  iniqviity,  and  that  he  was  well  afTured  he 

*  fhould  fee  a  happy  eternity.* 

He  died  the  30^^  of  the  fixth  month  1 748, 
and  was  buried  at  Buckingham.  A  mini- 
fler  upwards  of  18  years. 


A  Teflimony  from  Gwynedd  Mofithly-AIeet" 
ing  in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Alice 
Griffith. 

ALICE  GRIFFITH,  late  wife  of  Hugh 
Griffith,  of  North  Wales  in  the  countv 
of  Philadelphia  in  Pennfylvania,  was  one 
that  feared  the  Lord  from  her  youth,  re- 
markable for  her  modei1:y  and  plainness. 
When  Ihe  was  married  and  fettled,  fhe  de- 
monftrated  a  religious  concern  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  truth  and  welfare  of  the 
profeifors  thereof;  and  being  a  woman  of 
great  integrity  and  uprighcnefs  of  heart, 
became  very  ierviceable  in  divers  refpedls  ; 
zealous  for  maintaining  good  order  and 
chriftian  difciplme  in  the  church. 

She  was  well  qualified  for  that  weighty 
fervice  of  villting  families,  having,  at  fucli 
opportunities,  to  communicate  of  her  own 
experience,  and  tell  what  God  had  done  for 

her 


(     H^    ) 

ber  foul ;  and  under  a  good  degree  of  divine 
influence,  would  often  be  drawn  foith  in 
opening  divine  myileries,  as  if  fhe  had  been 
in  a  large  aflembly,  as  many  witnelTcs  can 
teflify,  that  have  been  ienfibly  reached,  yea 
baptized  by  lier  rehgious  vifits;  at  which 
Ihe  was  moftly  full  of  good  matter,  well 
adapted  and  fui table  to  the  different  circum- 
ftances  of  individuals  and  families. 

She  was  often  concern'd  to  flir  up  her 
friends,  to  a  clofe  attendance  of  meetings, 
both  on  firft  and  other  days,  as  alfo  to  ob- 
ferve  the  hour  appointed,  being  herfelf  a 
good  example  therein,  until,  by  old  age 
and  infirmity  of  body  ihe  was  difabled, 
•which  was  about  three  years  before  her  re- 
moval. And  notwithftandin?  the  circum- 
fpe6l  life  and  watchful  flate  fhe  was  obferv- 
ed  to  be  in,  yet  in  the  time  of  her  weaknefs, 
fhe  was  vifited  with  great  difcouragements 
and  dcjedions,  as  may  appear  by  her  follow- 
ing expreifions. 

At  a  certain  time  fhe  was  heard  to  fay, 

*  Lord  how  long  wilt  thou  withdraw  thyfelf 
'  from  me,    and  not  fliew  for  what   caufe 

*  I  am    thus    afHided ;     I   have    been    ac- 

*  quainted  with  thy  righteous  judgments, 

*  which  v/ere  ever  mixed  with  mercy;    but 

*  now,  my  trouble  is  more  than  I  am  well 

*  able  to  bear,  being  almofl  ready  to  fink.* 
Again  was  heard  to  fay,      *  Lord,  where- 

*  in  have  1  offended  thee ;  what  part  of  my 

*  duty  have  I  neglected,    that  thou  fhouldfl 

*  thus  hide  th.y  face  irom  me  :    Time  was, 

'  when 


(     H3    ) 

*  when  my  hope  in  full  alTurance  was  to 

*  relt  in  thee,  but  now  I  lear  I  fnall  become 

*  a  cait-away.'     At  another  time  Hie  laid, 

*  What  have  I  done  that  1  Ihould  be  thus 

*  atBicfted,  Lord  ihall  there  be  any  end   of 
'  my  forrow?  Many  fweec  times   and  op- 

*  portunities  I  have   had  when  alone,   bat 

*  now  am  left  as  in  the  dark,  fearing  to  make 

*  one  Ifep  forward  left  I  ftumble,  he  that 

*  once  v/as  my  guide  has  now  left  me/ 
Again  faid,     '  I  ftill  defire  to  be  willing  to 

*  lufFer  whilft  in  this  body,  any  thing  thou 
'  mayeft  pleafe  to  bring  upon  me,  be  the 

*  exercife  of  what  kind  foever,  if  thou  wilt 
'  favour  me  with  thy  living  prefence;   then 

*  Lord,  fhall  not  any  thing  be  too  near  or 

*  dear  to  part  with,  or  to  fufFer  for  thy  name- 
'  fake.     Yea  Lord,  if  thou  iliould  fee  meet 

*  to  deprive  me  of  my  fight  or  hearing, 

*  health  or  fpeech,  let  me  never  murmur, 

*  but  Oh!  give  patience  to  bear  this  inex- 
'  prefTible  exercife  to  the  end.'  One  morn- 
ing, after  calling  her  two  daughters,  fhe  faid, 

*  Put  by  your   work  my   children,    for  I 

*  have  to  tell  you  of  a  glorious  vifitation  the 

*  Lord  was  pleafed  to  favour  me  with.  As 
'  I  was  making  my  fuppHcation  to  him  for 
'  deliverance  and  redemption  from  my  fore 

*  exercife,  and  to  obtain    fome  refreflimenc 

*  to  my  poor  diftreifed  foul»   the  Lord  was 

*  graciouily  pleafed  to  anfwer  my  requeft  in 

*  a  fatisfad:ory  manner :  He  opened  the  eye 

*  of  my  mind,  to  fee  him  coming  in  his 
'  glory  to  reheve  me  from  my  long  diftrels. 

"  May 


(  H4  ) 
May  my  whole  truft  and  confidence  evef 
abide  in  him,  who  has  fo  filled  my  hearC 
with  joy,  that  pain  and  gi'ief  vaniilied 
away.  This  glorious  feaibn  lurpafTed  all 
that  ever  I  had  known  before:  At  which 
time,  the  Lord  gave  me  a  fure  promife, 
that,  altho'  my  afflidlions  were  many, 
and  more  I  had  yet  to  go  through,  yet  I 
fhould  in  the  end,  be  rewarded  with  a 
crown  of  righteoufnefs  in  the  kingdom  of 
reft  and  peace ;'    with  more  to  the  fame 

efFed. 

It  was  obferv'd,  that  a  certain  change  ap-* 

peared  in  her  countenance  from  that  time 

forward;    fhe  being  cheerful  and  pleafant 

and  never  fad  as  before. 

Her  deceafe  was  on  the  firft  day  of  the  fe-* 

cond  month  1749,   and  was  buried  on  the 

3<i  of  the  fame. 


ATeftimony  from  friends  in  Virginia,  concern^ 
ing  Sarah  Pleasamts. 

SARAH  PLEASANTS,  fourth  daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Mary  Pleafants,  was 
taken  ill  the  26th  of  the  feventh  months 
and  departed  this  life  the  yth  of  the  eighth 
month  1 749,  in  the  feventeenth  year  of  her 
age.  In  the  time  of  her  illnefs,  fhe  called 
to  feveral  perfons  then  prefent,  to  view  her 
blooming  vouth,  how  changed,  and  likely 
in  a  ihort  time   to  bid  adieu  to  the  world 

and 


(  H5  ) 
:aud  all  its  enjoyments;  praying  that  tliQ 
moment  llie  was  prepared  fhe  might  go ; 
but  in  a  particular  manner,  flie  dehred  the 
phylician  who  attended  her,  to  obferve  the 
frailty  of  poor  mortals,  as  well  as  the  un- 
certainty of  time  in  this  life,  faying^  *  Look 
'  on  me  docftor,  I  am  like  a  bud  cropt  from 

*  the  vine  before  it  is  fully  blown,  yet  young 

*  as  I  am,  1  have  fomething  to  repent  of, 
^  which  in  health  and  ftrength  we  are  apt 

*  to  overlook,  and  flatter  ourfelves  is  no 
"^  crime,  which  is,  I  have  been  too  much  giv- 

*  en  to  laughter  and  jelling  with  thofe  of  my 
'  companions  who  fondly  embraced  and  re- 

*  turned  the  fame,'  naming  one  in  particular, 
whom  ilie  expreifed  a  great  deiire  to  fee  be- 
fore iTie  died,  that  flie  might  warn  her  of 
the  weight  llie  now  felt,  not  only  in  thefe 
two  things,  but  in  a  third,  which  was,  tak- 
ing too  much  delight  in  drefs.  Then  di- 
recting her  difcourfe  to  the  dodlor,  ihe  faid, 

*  Nothing  elfe  have  I  to  charge  myfelf  with, 

*  yet,  dear  docftor,  I  find  it  enough,  there- 
^  fore  let  me  prevail  with  thee  to  takewarn- 

*  ing  by  me ;  I  am  fenhble  that  fome  things 

*  thou  art  in  the  pradlice  of,  are  full  as  dan- 

*  gerouSj  if  not  more  fo,  than  thofe  which 
'  now  lay  fo  heavy  on  me;  that  of  drink- 
'  ing  to  excefs  to  oblige  company,  as  thy 
'  excufe  and  many  others  is,  yet  thou  wilt 
'  find  it  of  greater  weight  when  thou  comes 
'  to  lay  in  the  condition  I  now  am  in,  thaa 

*  now  thou  may  think  poifible,  thou  wilt 

*  furely  willi  it  had  been  left  undone,  with 

L  *all 


(    146    ) 

*  all  other  improlitable  things.'  The  doc;- 
tor  replied   weeping,     *  I  take  it  very  kind 

*  and  hope  I  fhall  obferve  it.'  Many  more 
good  expreflions  and  advice  fhe  dropt  to  him 
and  others  then  about  her. — She  one  day 
called  her  brother  Thomas  to  her  bed-fide, 
and  Ikid  to  him,    *  Dear  brother,  I  know 

*  thy   fituation   to  be  very   lonefome,  and 

*  deflitntc  of  fnitable  company,    notwith- 

*  {landing,  I  pray  thee,  keep  as  much  as  pol- 

*  fible  out  of  low  company,  not  the  poor 

*  do  I  mean,  becaufe  they  are  poor,  but 
'  the  loofe  and  vulgar,  whether  poor  or  rich, 

*  wdiich    are    of  a   corrupting    fpirit,    and 

*  will  tend  to  the  hurt  of  thofe  who  afTo-* 

*  ciate  with  them;   but  keep  thy  place  and 

*  thou  wilt  be  like  a  light  fet  on  a  hill,  as  a 

*  guide  to  others,  who  will  praife  God  on 

*  thy  behalf; 


A  Tejlimonj  from  Gwynedd  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Pennfyivania,  concerning  W  i  l  L  i  a  xM 
Trotter. 

U  R  friend  William  Trotter,  late  of 
Plymouth  in  the  county  of  PJiiladel- 
phia,  fon  of  William  Trotter,  was  bom  in 
the  fourth  month  1695,  of  religious  pa- 
rents, au'J  was  educated  amongLl  friends; 
as  he  grew  ui  years,  he  was  blelled,  in  that  he 
grew  in  grace,  and  in  the  fear  and  knowledge 
of  our  bleifed  Lord  and  Saviour  J eii^is  Chrilf. 

About 


(   m  ) 

About  the  twenty-firfl:  year  of  his  age,   he 
received  a  gift  ia  the  miniftry,  in  which  he 
was  frequently  exercifecl  during  the  courfe 
of  his  MiG,     His  niiniftry  was    Iband   and 
favoury,  attended  with   a  good   degree  of 
that  hfe  and  power   *'  By  which  the  dead 
are  raifed,  and  without  which  all  preaching 
is  vain."     He  was  not  tedious  or  burden- 
fome,  but  often  very  reaching  and  edifying 
to  his  hearers.     In  his  life  and  converfation 
he  was  grave,  yet  innocently  cheerful,  and 
flricftly  juft  in  his  dealings,  alfo  a  lover  and 
promoter  of  peace,    unity,   and  brotherly 
love  amongfl  friends,  of  which  himfelf  was 
a  good  pattern.      He  was  generally  beloved 
during  his  life,  and  at  his  death  left  a  good 
favour.     His  removal  from  time  to  a  happy 
eternity,  though  certainly  his  greateft  gain, 
was  a  confiderable  lofs  to  the  meeting  where 
he  belonged.     He  departed  this  life  on  the 
l()th  of  the  tenth  month  1749,  aged  about 
fifty- three  years  and  fix  months,  and  was 
interr'd  on  the  2  ift  of  the  fame  month,  in 
friends  burying-ground  at  Plymouth;  and 
we  believe  is  gone  from  his   laborious  fer- 
vice  here,  to  receive  a  heavenly  reward  of 
peace,  "  Where  the  wicked  ceafe  from  trou- 
bling, and  the  weary  be  at  reft." 


A  Tejlimony 


(     148    ) 

A  Tejlimony  from  Salem   Monthly-Meeting  ifl 
New-Jerfey,  concerning  Elizabeth 

W  Y  A  T  T. 

ELIZABETH  WYATT  (wife  of  Bartho- 
lomew Wyatt)  a  minifier,  removed  by 
marriage,  within  the  limits  of  our  month- 
ly-meeting, in  the  year  1730,  as  appears 
by  her  certificate  from  Haddonfield  month- 
ly-meeting. Her  teftimony  was  large  and 
edifying,  found  in  word  and  docflrine,  to 
the  comfort  of  the  humble  minded  amongft 
us ;  yet  Ihe  was  a  fliarp  threfhing  inftru- 
ment  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  againil:  the 
backiliders  and  unfaithful  profeiTors  of 
truth. 

Her  labours  were  not  confined   to  this 
meeting,  but  it  pleafed  the  great  Lord  of  the 
harvefl,  to  fend  her  forth  in  his  fervice  in- 
to   other    provinces    on   this    continent,  as 
Pennfylvania,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North- 
Carolina,      New-England,      Rhode- Ifland, 
Long-Ifland,  Ci^c.  in  all  which  flie  had  good 
fervice  for  truth,  as  appears  by  certificates 
produced  to  this  ineeting.     She  was  exem- 
plary in  life  and  converfation,  adorning  the 
dodlrinelhe  had  to  deliver;  and  was  in  good 
erteem  amongft  her  friends  and  neighbours. 
It  pleaied  God  to  take  her  off  the  itage  of 
this   world,     on  the  2.0th  of   the    eleventh 
month    1749-50,    aged    forty-three    years. 
It  may  J^e  obferved,  that  about  three  years 
of  her  time,    her  relidence  with  her  huf- 

band 


(     149    ) 

band  and  family  was  at  Philadelphia,  to  the 
fatisfadiion  of  friends  there,  as  appears  by 
certificate  from  thence. 

Her  name  before  marriage  was  Tomlin- 
fon,  llie  firft  appeared  in  public  teflimony 
at  Eveiham- meeting  in  New-Jerfey,  while 
flie  lived  at  the  houfe  of  our  friends  William 
and  Elizabeth  Evans,  which  was  about  four 
years  before  her  marriage.  Belides  what  is 
truly  faid  of  her  above,  it  may  be  jufhly 
added,  that  her  capacity,  quali^cations  and 
improvements  were  fuperior  to  moft,  and 
that  llie  poffeiTed  a  cheerfulnefs  of  temper, 
joined  with  great  difcretion,  which  render- 
ed her  company  very  defirable  and  profit- 
able. 


A  Tejiimoiiy  fromGwynedd  Monthly-Meeting  in 
Fcnniy\Ya.ma.^  concerning  At^t^  Roberts,   • 

H  E  was  convinced  of  the  truth  in  her 
native  country,  Wales,  when  young, 
which  incurred  her  father's  heavy  difpka- 
fure,  but  in  time  he  became  reconciled  to 
her.  Some  years  after  her  convincement, 
fhe  came  over  into  this  country,  where  llie 
received  a  gift  in  the  miniftry,  and  by  a 
diligvljnt  improvement  thereof,  together  with 
the  influence  of  a  pious  life,  fhe  was  mad^ 

ufeful 


(    '5°    ) 

ufeful  in  her  generation  and  a  blefling  to 
many.  Her  love  and  compaflion  for  the 
widow,  the  fatherlefs,  and  others  in  afflic- 
tion, appeared  by  her  often  vifiting  them: 
She  was  one  of  the  wife  in  heart,  who  was 
favoured  to  forefee  the  enemy  in  his  ap- 
proaches, and  would  roufe  and  excite  her 
fellow-lbldiers  to  ufe  their  utmoft  endea- 
vours to  repel  his  attempts,  which  was  of- 
ten done  with  defirable  fuccefs.  She  was 
alfo  zealoufly  concern'd  for  maintaining 
chriflian  difcipline  in  the  church. 

She  was  rightly  qualified  for  the  weighty 
fervice  of  viliting  friends  families,  and  at 
thofe  opportunities  was  frequently  favoured 
with  fomething  fuitable  to  every  ftate  and 
condition,  which  was  attended  with  bene- 
ficial effecfls,  efpecially  on  the  youth.  But 
luch  indeed  was  tlie  divine  favour  which 
uiually  accompanied  herdifcourfe  and  con- 
verlation,  one  could  rarely  be  an  hour  with 
her  without  fenfihle  edification. 

Her  firit  coming  to  refide  among  us  was 
feaibnable,  for  we  having  but  few  minifters, 
tiie  field  before  her  was  extenfive,  in  which 
file  laboured  fervently,  tenderly  inviting 
thole  afar  off  to  draw  nigh,  and  querying 
with  them,  whether  they  knew  what  the 
Lord  had  fgr  them  to  do.  By  the  vifitati- 
ons  of  heaven  and  a  bl effing  on  her  labours, 
many  came  to  have  their  mouths  opened  to 
fpeak  of  God's  goodnefs  to  their  fouls ; 
whereby  was  verified,  what  ihe  had  declar- 
ed at  our  meeting  before  One  came  to  dwell 

among 


(  15^  ) 
among  us,  though  it  then  feemed  improba- 
ble, and  fome  doubted  the  accompUlhment 
thereof.  To  thefe  babes  in  the  minirtry,  {lie 
who  had  a  large  fliare  of  experience  in  the 
work,  was  not  wanting  to  adminiller  fuitable 
precaution  and  advice. 

She  went  pretty  much  abroad,  vifiting 
friends  in  this  and  the  adjacent  provinces, 
to  wit,  the  Jerfeys,  Maryland,  Virginia  and 
Carolina,  accompanied  to  the  remoteil  parts 
by  her  near  and  dear  friend  Sufanna  Mor- 
ris. In  her  more  advanced  years  flie  vifited 
Great-Britain,  accompanied  by  our  efteem- 
ed  friend  Mary  Pennel,  between  whom  a 
near  and  Uriel  union  was  prelerved  through-  • 
out  their  travels;  and  flie  brought  home 
very  clear  and  comfortable  accounts  of  her 
acceptable  fervice  in  the  gofpel  miniftry, 
and  her  godly  converfation  in  Chriil. 

After  her  return  from  Great-Britain,  flie 
met  with  great  difficulties  in  refpedl  to  her 
outward  circumflanccs,  which  Ihe  fultained 
with  chriftian  fortitude.  A  near  friend  of 
hers  afldng  her  how  llie  felt  under  it,  ilie 
replied,  *  While  I  keep  my  eye  lieadily  di- 
redled  to  the  object  worthy  of  our  chief 
regard,  it  leems  as  if  a  wall  was  on  each 
fide;  all  is  calm,  and  nothing  hurts  or 
annoys  :  But  if  I  fuffer  my  eye  to  wander 
to  the  right  hand  or  the  left,  the  enemy 
breaks  in  upon  me  like  a  torrent,  which 
hurries  me  away,  and  it  is  with  great 
*  difficulty  I  recover  mvfelf.'  After  this, 
flie  met  with  a  very  heavy  a(i]i(ftion  in  the 


fefc; 


(       152      ) 

lofs  of  her  hufband,  which  fhe  Ukewile 
bore  with  becoming  refignation  and  com- 
pofure  of  mind.  In  a  few  months  after- 
wards, flie  fell  into  a  lingering  diforder; 
(the  dropfy)  and  as  in  time  of  health  flie 
preferred  the  profperity  of  truth  to  her 
chief  joy,  fo  in  her  illnefs  fhe  rejoiced 
much  to  hear  of  any  young  people  ap- 
pearing hopeful  in  the  miniftry.  On  the 
other  hand,  flie  would,  even  in  time  of 
great  weaknefs,  lament  with  anxiety  of 
mind  the  low  fituation  of  the  feed,  and 
fay,  Oh  [  what  will  become  of  us  ?  Will 
this  dark  cloud  which  hangs  over  our  af- 
femblies,  terminate  in  a  boifterous  florm 
to  try  the  foundations  of  the  children  of 
men  ? 

By  the  long  continuance  of  her  diforder, 
Hie  was  reduced  to  great  weaknels  fometime 
before  her  end ;  yet  it  was  evident,  that 
charity,  (to  wit)  Love  to  God  and  his  peo- 
ple, continued  with  her  to  the  laft. 

She  died  on  the  ()th  day  of  the  fourth, 
month  175c,  in  the  feventy-third  year  of 
her  age,  having  been  a  minifler  50  years, 
and  was  buried  at  Gwynedd  aforefaid ;  on 
which  folemn  occafion  we  had  a  good  meet- 
ing, the  extendings  of  divine  love  being 
witneliedo 


A  Tejlhnony 


(     153    ) 

A  Teflhnony  from  Wilmington  Monthly- Meet- 
ing in  the  county  o/'New-Caflle  on  Delaware, 
concerning  Lydia  Dean. 

H  E  was  the  daughter  of  Jofeph  Gil- 
pin, of  Birmingliam  in  Chefter  county 
Pciuifylvania;  was  born  the  i\th  of  the 
eleventh  month  1698,  and  married  to  Wil- 
Lvim  Dean  of  the  aforeiaid  place  m  1722. 
In  the  year  1728  Ihe  appeared  in  the  mini- 
ftry,  mqch  in  the  crofs,  which  was  manifell 
by  her  brokennefs  of  heart  and  contrition 
or  fpirit  under  the  weight  thereof.  And 
as  Ihe  became  wilhng  to  give  up  all  for 
the  caufe  of  truth,  the  Lord  in  his  own 
time  made  her  a  living  minifter  of  the  ever- 
iafling  gofpel ;  in  the  exercife  whereof,  flie 
was  drawn  to  vifit  friends  in  New-England, 
Jerfey  and  Maryland.  Her  miniilry  was 
plain  and  powerful,  often  fpeaking  particu- 
larly to  the  ftates  of  meetings  where  her  lot 
was  cad;  her  converfition  folid,  weighty 
and  grave,  becoming  the  gofpel  of  Chrill ; 
and  very  helpful  to  thofe  who  flood  in  need. 
Her  place  of  abode  was  at  Birmingham 
atorefaid,  until  about  a  year  before  her  de- 
ceafe,  when  the  family  removed  to  Wil- 
mington ;  where  flie  had  the  exercife  of  part- 
ing with  feveral  of  her  children,  who  were 
taken  away  by  death  ;  which  llie  bore  with 
patience  and  great  refignation  to  the  will  of 
divine  providence,  exprefhng  a  fenie  fhe  had 
of  her  own  diffolutiou  being  nigh :  And  be-. 

ing 


(     154    ) 

nig  engaged  with  friends  who  were  vifiting 
tainiUes  beloiiL^ing  tothis  monthly-meeting, 
ilie  was  taken  lick,  and  her  ilhiefs  increaf- 
ing,  fhe  faid,  the  day  before  flie  died,  *  It 
*  was  the  joyfnlleft  day  {lie  ever  had.* 

Thus  having  pafTed  the  time  of  her  fo- 
journing  here,  in  a  good  degree  of  godly 
fear,  flie  finiihed  her  courl'e,  and  is  gone 
(we  doubt  not)  into  the  manfions  of  un- 
difturbed  reft. 

She  departed  this  life  the  2d  of  the  tenth 
month  1750,  and  was  interr'd  in  friends 
burying-ground  at  Wilmington,  aged  fifty- 
two,  a  minifter  22  ^-ears. 


A  Teflimony  from  Richland  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Pennfylvania,    concerning   T  H  o  M  as 

L  A  N  C  A  S  T  E  R. 

A  BOUT  ten  years  of  the  latter  part  of 
Ir\.  his  time,  he  was  a  member  of  this 
meeting,  he  was  found  in  the  niiniftry,  and 
exercifed  his  gift  therein  with  great  ferven- 
cy and  zeal,  his  life  and  converfation  cor- 
refponding  therewith.  In  the  fecoud  month 
1750,  he  laid  before  our  meeting  his  con- 
cern to  vifit  friends  on  the  illands  of  Bar- 
bados and  Tortola,  which  the  meeting  ap- 
proved of,  and  gave  him  a  certificate  in  or- 
der thereto :  Towards  the  latter  end  of  the 
fame  year  he  perform'd  laid  vilit,  and  had 
good  fervice  there,  as  appeared  by  certifi- 
cates 


(     ^55    ) 

cates  from  friends  on  each  of  the  faid  iilands ; 
on  his  return  homewards,  it  pleafcvl  divine 
providence  to  viht  him  with  fickneis,  of 
which  he  died  at  fea;  his  removal  being 
deeply  felt  and  lamented  by  his  family  and 
friends  at  home. 


A  Tejlimony  from  friends  in  Virginia,  concern^ 
ini{  William  Ladd. 

ILLIAM  LADD,  fon  of  John  and 
Mary  Ladd,  both  from  Old- En- 
gland, was  born  near  Curies  in  Virguiia,  in 
the  fixth  month  1679,  and  about  the  time 
of  his  marriage  he  removed  to  Wainoak, 
became  a  member  of  that  meeting,  and  re- 
fided  there  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He 
had  an  acceptable  gift  in  the  miniftry,  and 
was  a  great  fufierer  for  bearing  a  teitimony 
againft  the  hireling  minillers.  In  one  in- 
ftance,  a  very  exorbitant  feizure  was  made 
upon  his  effeds,  yet  he  lived  to  fee  the  of- 
ficer who  made  it  reduced  to  fuch  low  cir- 
cumilances,  that  he  charitably  contributed 
to  fupply  his  neceifities. — He  continued  a 
faithful  fufferer  to  the  end  of  his  days,  en- 
couraging his  children  to  faithfulnels,  fay- 
ing,   '  The  truth  is  more  to  me,  than  my 

*  all  in  this  world.' — The  night  of  his  de- 
ceafe,  one  of  the  family  faying,   '  This  wa6 

*  to  be  a  night  of  great  forrow  to  them,'  he 
replied,  '  it  was  a  night  of  great  joy  to  him/ 

which 


(     156    ) 

which  was  one  of  the  laft  of  his  exprei^ 
lions. — He  died  the  27//?  of  the  ninth  month 
1 75 1,  and  was  buried  in  the  family  bury- 
ing-ground  near  his  own  houfe,  aged  feven- 
ty-two,  and  a  minifler  about  25  years. 


A  Tejlimony  from  the  Monthly -Meeting  c// Phi- 
ladelphia,   concerning    Israel  Pember- 

TON. 

E  was  born  in  the  county  of  Bucks  in 
Pennfylvania,  in  the  year  1684,  be- 
ing defcended  of  pious  parents,  well  efteem- 
ed  among  friends  in  the  firfl  fettlement  of 
this  province.  He  ferved  his  apprenticefliip 
and  fettled  in  this  city.  Having  chofen  the 
fear  of  the  Lord  in  his  youth,  and  being 
pre  ferved  therein,  he  eftabliflied  and  fup- 
ported  an  unblemifned  charader,  hj  his 
jufliQe,  integrity,  and  uprightnefs  in  his 
dealings  amongll:  men,  and  his  mild,  Hea- 
dy and  prudent  conduct  through  life.  He 
was  a  member  of  this  meeting  near  fifty 
years,  and  being  well  grounded  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  truth,  of  found  judgment  and  un- 
derftanding,  he  approved  himfelf  a  faith- 
ful elder ;  adorning  our  holy  profeilion  by 
a  life  of  meekneis,  humility,  circumfpec- 
tion,  andadifintereifed  regard  to  the  honour 
of  truth;  of  great  ufe  in  the  exercife  of  our 
difcipline,  being  a  lover  of  peace  and  unity 
in  the  church,  careful  to  promoieand  main- 
tain 


'(     '57    ) 

tain  it;  conflant  in  the  attendance  of  meet- 
ings, and  his  deportment  tlierein,  grave, 
foUd  and  reverent,  and  a  true  fympathizer 
with  thofe  who  were  honefllj  concerned  in 
the  miniftry  ;  a  confpicuous  example  of  mo- 
deration and  plainnefs ;  exteniive  in  his  cha- 
rity and  of  great  benevolence.  In  converfa.- 
tion  cheerful,  attended  with  a  peculiar  Iweet- 
nefs  of  difpofition,  which  rendered  his  com- 
pany both  agreeable  and  inftru6tive. 

A  few  days  before  his  deceaie,  being  in 
a  free  converfewithtwoof  his  friends  whom 
he  much  loved  and  refpected,  he  took  oc- 
caiion  to  recount  many  occurrences  of  his 
life,  and  with  a  great  fenfe  of  gratitude,  to 
exprefs  the  lively  remembrance  he  retained 
of  the  merciful  extendings  of  divine  love 
towards  him  in  his  youth,  by  the  continu- 
ance whereof  he  had  been  enabled  to  per- 
fevere  in  a  confcientious  difcharge  of  his  re- 
ligious duties  to  the  belt  of  his  knowledge ; 
and  that  being  ftill  favoured  with  a  degree 
of  the  fame  love,  it  was  his  greatell  comfort 
in  his  declining  years. 

His  death  was  fudden,  tho'  not  altogether 
unexpe6led,  having  been  at  intervals,  fre- 
quently affected  with  a  dizzinefs  in  his 
head;  and  feveral  times  fo  as  to  deprive 
him  of  his  fpeech. 

He  was  very  lively  and  pleafant  the  morn- 
ing before  his  departure,  and  in  the  after- 
noon went  to  the  burial  of  an  acquaintance, 
and  accompanied  the  corps  to  the  grave- 
yard, where  he  was  feized  with  a  fit,  fup- 

polcd 


C     >58    ) 

pofed  to  be  of  the  apoplec^Ick  kind,  and  eX" 
pired  in  about  an  hour;  being  the  19//J  of 
the  firft  month  1754,  and  was  buried  on  the 
22^  of  the  fame  month,  in  the  fixty-ninth 
year  of  his  age. 


A  Teflimony  from  Haddonfield  Monthly- Meet'- 
ing  in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Hannah 
Cooper. 

U  R  well  efteemed  friend  Hannah 
Cooper,  was  born  in  Wenfleydale  in 
Yorkfliire  Great-Britain,  and  arrived  at 
Philadelphia  in  the  year  1732,  on  a  religious 
vifit  to  friends  in  America,  and  performing 
that  fervice,  was  afterwards  married  to  our 
friend  Jofeph  Cooper,  a  member  of  this 
monthly-meeting,  where  fhe  refided  the 
moft  of  the  remaining  part  of  her  life,  ex- 
cept when  file  was  called  abroad  in  truth's 
fervice,  in  which  fhe  travelled  much  in  the 
fore  part  of  her  time ;  but  as  ihe  grew  in 
years,  flie  was  under  great  indiipoiition  of 
body,    and   fo   continued  the  moil  of  her 

time,   which  unfitted  her  for  travellinsi;. 
.  ....  '-^ 

She  was  indeed  a  living  miniiler,  an  hum- 
ble tender  hearted  friend,  a  true  lympathi- 
zer  with  thofe  in  affliction,  and  as  a  nurf- 
ing  mother  to  thofe  that  were  young  in  the 
miniilry,  her  icrvice  was  truly  very  ac- 
ceptable, and  her  memory  ilill  remains  as  a 
fweet  iavQur, 

Near 


(     159     ) 
Near  the  conclufion  of  her  time,  flie  de- 
iired  thofe  then  prelent,   *  Not  to  mourn  for 

*  her,  for  that  flie  had  nothing  to  do  but  to 

*  die.'  She  departed  this  life,  the  iiih  of 
the  fecond  month  1754,  and  we  hone  enjoys 
that  unmixed  fehcity  which  will  never  have 
an  end. 


Her  name  before  marriage  was  Dent.  She 
received  a  gift  in  the  miniilry  when  young, 
and  travelled  in  that  fervice  in  feverai  parts 
of  England  before  flie  came  to  America.  In 
1739,  having  our  friend  Mary  Foulke  for  a 
companion,  Ihe  took  fliipping  for  Barbados, 
and  after  vifiting  friends  and  others  on  that 
iiland,  went  from  thence  to  Rhode-Illand, 
from  whence  ihe  returned  home.— The  fol- 
lowing teftimony  concerning  her  hufband, 
■whom  llie  lurvived  feverai  years,  is  trom 
the  fame  monthly-meeting,  of  which  he 
"was  divers  years  an  elder,  viz. 

Our  well  eft eemed  friend  Jofeph  Cooper 
deceafed,  wa>born  in  Newtown  in  the  coun- 
of  Gloucefter  New-Jerfey.  He  was  an  ex- 
emplary friend,  and  lerviceable  amongft  us 
in  many  refpeds ;  was  generally  well  re- 
fpe(5led,  careful  to  rule  well  his  own  houfe. 
He  departed  this  life,  about  the  ifl  of  the 
eighth  month  1749,  having  exprefsM  a  lit- 
tle before,  *  That  he  had  done  juftly,  lor- 

*  ed  mercy,  and  hoped  he  had  been  careful 

*  to  Yv'alk  humbly.' 

A  Teftimony 


(     i6o    ) 

A  Tejl'imony  from  the  Monthly -Meeting  (j/'Phi-^ 
ladelphia,  concerning  Michall  Light- 
foot. 

E  came  over  from  Ireland  with  his  fa- 
mily and  fettled  in  this  province,  in 
the  beginning  of  the  year  17 12,  and  was 
called  to  the  miniftry  about  the  year  1725, 
and  the  forty-fecond  year  of  his  age.  Be- 
ing faithful  in  the  exercife  of  his  gift,  he 
became  zealoufly  concerned  for  the  honour 
of  truth  and  promotion  thereof;  and  in  this 
fervice  performed  a  religious  viiit  to  friends 
in  Great-Britain  and  Ireland  ;  from  whence 
w^e  received  very  fatisfad:ory  and  comfort- 
able accounts  of  his  labours.  He  likevvife 
vifited  friends  in  New-England;  and  in  the 
year  1753,  he  travelled  on  the  lame  account 
in  the  fouthern  provinces. 

He  was  a  member  of  this  meeting  the  lafl 
eleven  years  of  his  life ;  being  of  a  grave 
and  folid  deportment,  and  an  example  of 
plainnefs  and  temperance,  was  much  efteem- 
ed  amongft  us.  His  miniflry  was  deep  and 
penetrating,  attended  with  the  demonflrati- 
on  of  the  fpirit  and  power;  under  the  in- 
fluence whereof  he  was  frequently  led  to 
unfold  the  myfteries  of  the  kingdom,  and 
eminently  qualified  to  let  forth  the  excellen- 
cies of  the  gofpel  difpenlation,  with  the  be- 
nefit and  advantage  of  inward  and  fpiritual 
w'orfliip ;  recommending  diligent  attend- 
ance on  diQ  fpirit  of  trutli,  for  ii^lrudion 

and 


(    i6i     ) 

and  afliftance  therein.  His  delivery  was 
clear,  diftindt  and  intelligible,  and  in  fup-- 
plication  humble  and  reverent.  He  was 
likewiie  well  gifted  in  difcipline,  and  often 
concerned  to  fpeak  in  thofe  meetings  to  our 
edification  and  comfort. 

He  departed  this  life,  on  the  ^d  day  of 
the  twelfth  month  1754,  after  a  ihort  fick- 
nefs,  in  the  feventy-firft  year  of  his  age, 
and  2C)th  of  his  miniflry.    * 


A  Tejlimony  from  Hopewell  Mont hfy- Meeting 
in  Virginia,  concerning  Evan  Thomas. 

E  was  born  in  Wales,  and  educated  in 
profefTion  with  the  church  of  England; 
but  in  his  tender  years,  joined  in  Ibciety 
with  friends ;  and  proving  faithful  to  the  gift 
and  meafure  of  grace  bellowed  upon  him,  by 
the  great  giver  of  every  good  and  perfecfl  gift, 
he  came'  to  be  early  engaged  in  the  work  of 
the  miniftry,  and  was  a  ferviceable  inftru- 
ment ;  being  a^fo  a  preacher  in  life  and  con- 
verfation,  remarkably  meek,  humble  and 
grave  in  his  deportment.  He  was  zealous 
for  the  honour  of  God  and  promotion  of  his 
blelled  truth,  and  ferviceable  among  friends, 
being  one  of  the  firft  fettlers  in  thefe  parts, 
and  a  conftant  attender  of  our  meetings 
whilft  in  health.  He  died  in  a  very  ferene 
frame  of  fpirit,  on  the  /[th  day  of  the  fe- 
cond month  1755,  aged  about  feventy  years. 
M  A  TeJiimo7iy 


(       ^62       ) 

A  Teftimony  from  Duck-Creek  Monthly-meeting 
in  Kent  county  on  Delaware,  concer7iing 
William  HammAns. 

HE  was  born  in  Old-England,  in  the 
year  1683,  and  educated  in  theprofei- 
iion  of  the  church  of  England ;  but  as  he  grew 
up,  he  became  uneafy  with  the  v/ays  and  cere- 
monies thereof;  and  being  a  diligent  feeker 
after  the  true  way  of  worfliip,  in  a  fliort 
time  joined  with  friends;  foon  after  which, 
he  left  his  native  country,  being  but  a  young 
man  alcho'  married,  and  coming  over  to 
Pennfylvania,  fettled  in  Chefter  county,  and 
after  fonie  time,  received  a  gift  in  the  mini- 
ftry ;  by  keeping  low  and  humble,  and  at- 
tending thereto,  he  became  an  able  minifter, 
having  a  particular  gift  in  quoting  the  fcrip- 
tures  and  explaining  them  clearly  to  the  un- 
derftan-dings  of  the  people.  About  the  year 
1738,  he  removed  within  the  limits  of  our 
monthly-meeting,  where  his  fervice  was 
very  confiderable,  being  well  qualified  for 
the  difcipline  of  the  church,  and  very  ex- 
emplary in  attending  meetings  both  for 
worlhipand  difcipline,  and  an  humble  wait- 
er therein.  Divers  within  the  bounds  of 
our  monthly-meeting,  were  convinced  by 
his  miniflry,  and  others  who  had  been  con- 
vinced before,  were  thereby  further  con- 
firmed in  the  truth  of  the  gofpel. 

Living  ia  a  public  place,  he  had  much  of 
friends  company,  whom  he  was  very  hearty 

in 


(     i63    ) 

in  entertaining,  and  fo  continued  to  the  end 
of  his  time ;  and  departed  this  Ufe,  the  8//b 
day  of  the  fourth  month  1755,  in  the  leven- 
ty-fecond  year  of  his  age.  On  the  11th  of 
the  faid  month,  was  interred  in  friends  bu- 
rying-ground  at  Duck-Creek. 


A  Tejiimony  from  Richland  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Pennfylvania,  concernmg  Susanna 
Morris. 

AS  the  reviving  and  tranfmitting  to  po- 
fterity,  the  memory  of  the  righteous 
and  faithful  fervantsof  God,  efpecially  thofe 
worthy  elders  who  are  to  be  highly  efleemed 
and  loved  for  their  work's  fake,  may  be  con- 
ducive to  the  promotion  of  truth,  the  comfort 
and  edification  of  the  living,  and  to  encourage 
the  imitation  of  their  pious  examples. 

We  are  concerned  to  give  forth  this  tefti- 
mony  concerning  our  ancient  and  worthy 
deceafed  friend  Sufanna  Morris,  late  wife  of 
Morris  Morris,  who  was  a  member  of  our 
monthly- meeting  near  fifteen  years  of  the 
latter  part  of  her  time:  Her  memory  ftill 
lives,  and  yields  a  precious  favour  to  thofe 
who  are  meafurably  fharers  of  that  divine 
love  and  life  with  which  fhe  in  an  eminent 
degree  was  endowed,  and  was  frequently 
made  an  inflrument  to  communicate  it  to 
others,  by  a  living  and  pov/erful  miniflry, 
IM  2  •      in 


(     '64    ) 

in  which  flie  fiiithfuUy  laboured  with  tin-- 
wcaried  diligence  both  at  home  and  abroad, 
for  the  fpace  of  forty  years  and  upwards, 
having  travelled  much  in  the  fervice  of  the 
gofpel  both  in  America  and  Europe,  made 
three  voyages  over  thefeas  to  viht  the  meet- 
ings of  friends  in  Great- Britain,  and  twice 
through  Ireland  and  Holland  j  in  which 
voyages  and  travels,  the  gracious  arm  of  di- 
vine providence  Avas  evidently  manifefted, 
in  prelerving  and  fupporting  her  through 
divers  remarkable  perils  and  dangers,  which 
fne  ever  reverently  remembred  and  grateful- 
ly acknowledged. 

Her  life  and  converfation  was  innocent 
and  agreeable,  feafoned  with  chriftian  gra- 
vity ;  was  a  bright  example  of  plainnefs, 
temperance,  and  felf-denial;  devoted  to  the 
fervice  of  truth  and  the  propagating  of  re- 
ligion and  piety  amongft  mankind  :  In  which 
ardent  love  and  zeal  Ihe  continued,  until  it 
pleafed  her  great  Lord  and  mafler  in  his  wif- 
dom  to  put  a  period  to  all  her  pious  labours 
and  travels,  and  to  take  her  to  himfelf,  as  a 
lliock  of  corn  gathered  in  due  feafon,  after  a 
ihortillnefs  of  nine  days  continuance,  within 
which  time,  on  a  firft  day  of  the  week,  friends 
at  her  requefi,  held  an  evening  meeting  in  her 
room,  wherein  Vne  was  wonderfully  ftrength- 
ened  to  bear  a  lively  teftimony  to  the  ever- 
lailing  truth,  fetting  forth,  the  ground  work 
of  true  religion  and  divine  worihip,  con- 
cluding with  a  fervent  prayer  to  the  father 
of  all  our  mercies,  for  the  continuance  of 

his 


(  i65  ) 
his  love  and  favours  to  his  children  and 
people.  After  which,  her  weaknefs  increaf- 
ing,  ihe  lay  in  a  calm  and  quiet  frame, 
without  much  appearance  of  pain,  until 
fhe  died,  which  was  on  the  z^th  day  of  the 
fourth  month  1755,  in  the  feventy-third 
year  of  her  age. 


The  Teflimony  of  the  ^larterly- Meeting  of 
Sandwich  in  New-England,  concerning 
Nicholas  Davis, 

E  was  born  at  Sandwich,  the  28//:?  of 
the  eighth  month  1690,  but  lived  the 
greateft  part  of  his  days  in  Dartmouth  and 
Rochefter.  He  came  forth  with  a  living 
teftimony  in  the  minilfry,  before  he  was 
twenty  years  old,  in  which  he  grev/  very- 
faft,  and  foon  became  an  able  ikilful  mini- 
fter  of  the  gofpei,  dividing  the  v/ord  of 
truth  aright ;  zealous  againfl  obftinate  of- 
fenders, but  to  thofe  under  affliclHiion,  his 
words  were  as  healing  balfam,  and  his  fpeech 
as  dew  on  the  tender  grafs.  He  ftrove  to 
live  in  peace  with  all  men,  and  was  gene- 
rally well  beloved  by  his  acquaintance  and 
neighbours,  more  efpecially  his  brethren  of 
the  fame  religious  denomination.  He  tra- 
velled much  in  viiiting  friends  in  New-En- 
gland, was  very  ferviceable  in  ftrengthen- 
ing  them,  and  alfo  made  inftrumental  in 
convincing  fome  of  the  bleiled  truth.     A 

diligent 


(     i66    ) 

diligent  and  feafonable  attender  of  meet- 
ings, and  a  lover  of  the  honeft  hearted,  but 
always  hated  hypocrify  in  any.  He  twice 
•viiited  friends  in  the  weftern  parts  of  America, 
going  once  as  far  as  North-Carolina. — Before 
he  proceeded  on  his  laft  journey  into  thofe 
parts,  he  appeared  refignedto  the  will  of  God, 
and  much  weaned  from  the  things  of  this 
world ;  his  kinfman  Adam  Mott  accompanied 
him,  and  by  teftimonials  receiv'd  from  feveral 
meetings,  their  fervice  was  well  accepted. 
On  his  way  homeward,  he  was  taken  fick  at 
Oblong  in  New- York  government,  bearing 
his  pain  with  great  patience  to  the  laft;  and 
whilft  his  underftanding  was  clear,  often 
mention'd  his  concern  for  the  profperity  of 
truth.  In  the  time  of  his  (icknefs  he  wrote 
a  letter  to  his  wife,  wherein  he  exprefs^d 
his  fubmiffion  to  the  will  of  God  whether 
in  life  or  death,  defiring  ftie  might  experi- 
ence the  fame;  and  in  an  efpecial  manner 
requefted  her  care  in  the  education  of  their 
children,  to  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord;  keep  them 
from  hurtful  and  unprofitable  company, 
and  endeavour  to  inftil  into  their  minds  the 
chriftian  principles  of  patience,  temperance, 
meekncfs  and  fobriety,  that  fo  they  might 
be  made  fit  vefTels  for  the  holieft  to  dwell 
in.  In  another  letter  wrote  to  his  children, 
in  the  time  of  his  ficknefs,  we  find  thefe 
words,     '  I  hereby  let  you  know,   that  as  I 

*  am  doubtful  whether  I  fliall  ever  fee  you 

*  more,  there  refls  foniething  on  my  mind 

*  to 


{  «67  ) 
to  write  to  you  by  way  of  advice,  which 
I  greatly  defire  may  not  be  forgotten,  and 
that  is,  as  you  have  a  tender  affedlionate 
mother,  who  is  defirous  you  may  do  well, 
therefore  dear  children,  be  obedient  to  her 
in  all  things  in  the  Lord,  and  fubmit  to 
her  counfel  and  advice  at  all  times  in  love 
to  her,  and  alfo  endeavour  to  live  in  love 
and  peace  one  with  another  at  all  times, 
and  let  not  any  contentions  or  hard 
thoughts  arife  one  againft  another  by  any 
means,  but  be  helpful  one  to  another,  and 
be  exceeding  careful  to  attend  week-day 
meetings,  and  encourage  others  alfo,  and 
endeavour  to  let  all  things  be  in  good  or- 
der in  the  church.'  He  would  fometimes 
defire  thofe  about  him  to  be  flill  and  quiet, 
that  they  might  have  a  time  to  wait  on  the 
Lord  in  filence,  and  feveral  times  opened 
his  mouth  in  prayer  and  lupplication  in  a 
living  and  powerful  manner ;  alfo  exhorted 
the  by-ftanders  in  the  fame  life  and  power. 
Thus  he  finifhed  his  courfe  at  Oblong  afore- 
faid,  on  the  'jth  of  the  tenth  month  1755, 
in  the  fixty- fifth  year  of  his  age;  and  we 
believe  he  is  admitted  "  Where  the  weary 
**  are  at  reft."  He  bore  a  public  teftimony 
above  forty-fix  years,  and  hath  left  an  un- 
bleiniflied  charafler. 


4  Tef/miony 


{     i68    ) 

A  TeJIimonyfrom  Burlington  Monthly-Meeting  m 
New- Jerfey,  concerningVET  e  r  An  d  R  ews. 

IT  having  pleafed  the  Lord  to  beftow  on 
him  a  gift  in  the  miniflry,  he  was  faith- 
ful thereto,  and  made  helpful  to  many;  be- 
ing fo  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  God,  that 
when  any  religious  duty  was  required  of 
him,  he  was  fervently  engaged  to  perform 
it,  as  flrength  was  afforded. 

He  was  careful  to  attend  meetings  for 
worfhip  and  difcipline,  and  when  there,  ma- 
nifelled  a  real  concern  to  wait  upon  God 
for  (Irength  and  wifdom,  that  fo  our  meet- 
ings might  be  truly  profitable.  Amongft 
his  neighbours  he  was  ferviceable,  his  ex- 
ample having  a  tendency  to  ftrengthen  the 
good  in  them  and  others,  and  to  difcourage 
that  which  was  wrong. 

His  engagements  in  the  exercife  of  the 
miniftry,  occafioned  him  to  be  much  from 
home,  yet  his  regard  to  his  family  was  be- 
coming his  ftation  both  as  a  hufband  and  a 
father;  it  was  his  frequent  prac^lice  to  fit 
down  with  them  to  wait  upon  the  Lord, 
and  we  believe  his  faithfulnefs  therein,  was 
of  confiderable  fervice. 

In  the  year  1755,  he,  in  a  weighty  man- 
ner laid  before  us,  a  concern  that  had  fome- 
time  refted  on  him  to  vifit  friends  in  En- 
gland. And  having  obtained  the  concur- 
rence of  friends  here,  and  fettled  his  tem- 
poral affairs,  he  embark'd  about  the  2()th 
of  the  fourth  month  the  fame  year. 

For 


(     i69     ) 

For  an  account  of  his  fervices  in  that  nati- 
on, we  refer  to  the  following  teftimony  of  the 
monthly-meeting  of  friends  in  Norwich,  at 
which  place  he  departed  this  life,  aged  about 
forty-nine,  and  a  minifter  about  14  years. 

A  Tejlhnony  from  Norwich  Monthly-Meeting 
concerningVEJ EK  Andrews. 

OU  R  dear  friend  Peter  Andrews,  from 
Weft-Jerfey  in  North-America,  being 
on  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in  this  nation, 
deceafed  in  this  city  ;  and  the  lively  fenfe  of 
his  fervices,  and  the  regard  we  bear  to  his 
memory,  engages  us  to  trafmit  the  following 
teftimony  concerning  him. 

His  firft  vifit  to  us  was  in  the  eleventh 
month  1755,  and  his  fervice  and  exemplary 
deportment  will  remain  as  a  lafting  teftimo- 
ny for  him,  and  to  the  truth  he  preached, 
in  the  minds  of  many ;  and  we  have  good 
reafon  to  believe  he  was  made  inftrumental, 
in  a  very  particular  manner,  to  the  help  and 
furtherance  of  fome  amongft  us,  whom  it  had 
pleafed  the  Lord  to- vifit  with  a  frelh  vifit- 
ation  of  his  love.  And  by  the  information 
of  other  friends,  who  well  knew  him,  and 
particularly  our  friend  Edmund  Peckover, 
who  frequently  accompanied  him,  as  well 
as  from  our  own  knowledge,  we  are  enabled 
to  give  the  following  brief  account  of  his 
labours  and  travels,  from  the  time  of  his 
arrival  to  his  death. 

He 


(  17^  ) 
He  landed  in  the  fouth  part  of  England, 
in  or  about  the  fixth  month  1755,  and  came 
dire6lly  up  to  London,  where  he  was  kindly 
received'by  friends,  and  had  very  good  fer- 
vice  during  afhort  flay  there  ;  but  being  de- 
lirous  of  being  at  the  quarterly-meeting  to 
be  held  at  York,  in  company  with  feveral 
friends  of  London,  he  went  as  direcftly  to 
the  faid  city  as  he  could  well  do,  being  near 
two  hundred  miles,  and  reached  there  by 
the  2j\th  of  the  fixth  month,  at  which  time 
began  the  qnarterly-meeting ;  and  this  our 
dear  friend  had  a  very  memorable  and  weigh- 
ty opportunity  in  miniftry,  in  the  meeting 
of  miniflers  and  elders  at  the  opening  there- 
of; but,  in  the  fucceeding  meetings  for 
worfliip,  was  moftly  filent ;  yet  in  thofe  for 
difcipline,  was  divinely  led  to  fet  forth  the  na- 
ture, good  end  and  tendency  of  the  fame,  and 
very  zealoufty  prefled  to  the  keeping  them 
up,  in  the  fame  wifdom  and  power  in  which 
they  were  firfl  eflabliflied ;  evidently  fetting 
forth,  *  that  they  proceeded  from  that  which 

*  gathered  our  fore- fathers  to  be  as  a  pecu- 

*  liar  people  unto  God  ;'  to  the  no  fmall  edi- 
fication and  comfort  of  many  fmcere  hearts, 
who  rejoiced  greatly  in  having  hiscom.pany, 
which  remains  irefh  in  their  remembrance; 
his  fervices  being  as  bread  caft  upon  the 
waters,  which,  according  to  the  v/ife  man's 
obfervation,  Jhall  be  found  after  many  days. 

After  the  quarterly-meeting  was  ended  he 
went  to  Pickering,  where  a  very  large  meet- 
ing is  kept  annually  for  v^orHiip,  and  had 

feaiouable. 


(    lyi    ) 

feafonable  and  profitable  fervice.  He  tra- 
velled to  many  other  places  in  that  county, 
and  friends  were  greatly  refreflied  and  edi- 
fied by  his  chrillian  vifit,  though  not  always 
attended  by  public  declarations  in  their  re- 
ligious meetings  appointed  on  his  account, 
which  were  moilly  very  large,  and  expedla- 
tions  high,  yet  his  eye  was  to  his  great  ma- 
fter's  putting  forth.  He  often  was  led  to 
familh  that  too  eager  defire  after  words ;  and 
in  feveral  public  meetings  he  had  nothing  to 
fay  amongft  them ;  which  tho'  a  great  dif- 
appointment  to  many  for  the  prefent,  yet 
there  afterwards  appeared  a  fignai  fervice 
in  it. 

He  was  at  Yarm,  Stockton,  Bainbrig,  and 
feveral  other  meetings  in  and  about  the  Dales ; 
then  came  to  Leeds,  Bradford,  Wakefield, 
Doncafter,  and  fo  into  Lincolnfliire ;  which 
county  he  vifited  pretty  generally,  alfo  the 
ifle  of  Ely,  and  came  into  Norfolk,  and  to 
this  place  in  the  eleventh  month  1755,  as 
afore-mentioned  ;  was  at  moft,  if  not  all,  of 
friends  meetings  in  our  county;  then  went 
into  Suffolk  and  EfTex,  and  returned  to  Lon- 
don the  latter  end  of  the  lirfl  month  1756, 
where  he  remained  a  few  weeks,  being  ex- 
ceeding ill;  yet  was  at  mofl  of  the  meet- 
ings in  that  city,  and  was  very  ferviceable, 
with  many  other  friends,  in  affairs  particu- 
larly relating  to  the  fociety  in  Pennlylvania 
at  that  time. 

He  went  back  again  into  Effex,  and  fo  for 
Hertfordfliire,  fome  parts  of  Buckingliam- 

fliire. 


{  ^72  ) 
iliire,  Oxfordfhire,  Glouceflerfliire,  and  to 
the  yearly-meeting  at  Briftol  in  the  fifth 
month  1756  ;  and  had  good  fervice  both  in 
meetings  for  worfhip  and  difcipline,  which 
was  well  received,  and,  it  is  hoped,  made 
lafliing  imprefilons  on  the  minds  of  many 
who  had  the  opportunity  of  being  prefent. 

His  indifpofition  ftill  continued,  but  did 
not  hinder  him  from  travelling :  From  Brif- 
tol he  palTed  through  fome  part  of  Gloucef- 
terlliire,  Wiltfliire,  and  Oxfordfliire,  and  got 
to  the  yearly-meeting  at  London  in  the  fixth 
month,  and  altho'  his  illnefs  continued  up- 
on him,  was  enabled  to  bear  feveral  living 
teftimonies,  in  the  demonftration  of  the  fpi- 
irit  and  of  power. 

After  the  faid  yearly-meeting  was  ended, 
he  came  down  to  the  yearly- meetings  at 
Colcheder  and  Woodbridge,  where  he  was 
eminently  fupported  to  be  ferviceable  in 
the  churches.  At  Woodbridge  he  ^vas 
Itrengthened  to  bear  a  large,  powerful  and 
aiiecfting  teftimony  in  the  lafl  meeting  of 
worihip,  to  the  tendering  of  many  hearts, 
whofe  ftates  were  fo  effedlually  fpoken  to, 
as  that  it  may  be  fitly  compared  to  the  ex- 
cellency, and  glorious  lituation  which  the 
Fialmiil  defcribed,  when  he  fays,  "  How 
*'  good,  and  how  pleafant  a  thing  it  is,  for 
""  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity  !  It  is 
**  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head, 
*^  that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even  Aa- 
'■'  ron's  beard,  that  went  down  to  the  fliirts 
•*  of  his  garments:  As  the  dew  of  Hermon, 

"  and 


(     373     ) 

*'  and  as  the  dew  that  defcended  upon  the 
'*  mountains  of  Zion;  for  there  the  Lord 
**  commanded  the  bleiTing,  even  Hfe  for 
**  evermore,"  Pfalm  cxxxiii.  i,  2,  3.  It 
was  indeed  a  mofl  heavenly,  precious,  bap- 
tiznig  feafon,  (this  being  the  lafl  public  op- 
portunity our  dear  friend  had)  in  which  he 
was  wonderfully  led  to  fet  forth  the  progref- 
five  Heps  the  Almighty  was  pleafed  to  make 
ufe  of,  in  appearing  to  Gideon,  confirming 
him  in  the  certainty  of  his  reqtiirings,  con- 
defcending  to  grant  his  requells  in  a  very 
peculiar  manner,  and  fealing  them  with  his 
prefence,  and  giving  him  vidlory  over  his 
enemies,  as  he  was  faithful  to  follow  the 
bleffed  author  that  pointed  forth  the  begin- 
ning as  well  as  finiihing  that  great  work,  t0 
which  that  extraordinary  fervant  of  God, 
Gideon,  in  his  day  was  called ;  which  me- 
morable fervice  of  our  dear  friend,  there  is 
great  reafon  to  believe  the  great  Lord,  who 
prepared  him  for  the  fame,  was  gracioufly 
pleafed  to  fix  as  a  nail  in  a  fure  place ;  and 
may  it  fo  continue  in  the  remembrance  of 
thofe  then  prefent,  who  are  left  for  a  fmall 
fpace  yet  in  mutability. 

He  continued  very  weak  in  body  all  his 
flay  in  Woodbridge,  being  above  five  days, 
and  no  perfuafions  could  prevail  with  hiin 
to  hinder  his  fetting  forv/ard  for  his  jour- 
ney, having  flrong  defires  in  his  mind  to 
fee  friends  in  this  place  again  ;  and  to  a  par- 
ticular friend  he  exprefTed  his  love  fo  great 
to  us,   '  That  he  thought  he  could  willingly 

'  die 


^  (  '74  ) 
"^  die  with  us.'  He  was  favoured  to  accom- 
plifh  it  in  two  days  after  he  left  Woocibridge, 
though  with  great  difficulty,  and  lodged  at 
the  houfe  of  our  friend  John  Oxley,  as  he 
had  done  before,  but  took  to  his  bed  foon 
after  he  got  in,  to  which,  the  remaining 
part  of  his  time,  he  was  moftly  confined. 

It  being  the  time  of  our  yearly- meeting, 
many  friends  went  often  to  vifit  him,  and 
he  exprefi^ed  to  fome,  '  That  he  was  fatisfied 
'  he  was  in  his  place,  in  giving  up  to  follow 
'  the  requirings  of  the  Lord,  in  leaving  his 

*  outward  habitation,  and  thofe  near  blef- 

*  fings  of  a  rnofl  tender  affedlionate  wife 

*  and  dutiful  children.' 

The  feverity  of  his  illnefs  kept  him  mofl- 
ly  delirious,  yet  he  was  favour'd  with  fome 
clear  intervals ;  in  one  of  which,  being  in 
a  fweet  heavenly  frame  of  mind,  he  broke 
forth  in  the  following  fervent  fupplication, 
viz.  '  Oh !  this  poor  foul  hath  been  for  many 
days  on  the  brink  of  the  pit  of  diflrefs ; 
but  thou,  dear  father,  doft  not  affli(5l  thy 
children  willingly,  but  for  fome  great  and 
good  caufe  known  only  to  thyfelf :  Dear 
father !  fuffer  not  thy  children  ever  to  de- 
fpair  of  thy  mercies,  but  that  we  may  be 
helpful,  as  much  as  may  be  in  our  pow- 
er, to  one  another  in  all  fuch  times  of 
trouble.  Dearefl  father !  thou  haft  been 
pleafed  to  open,  and  to  favour  with  thy 
goodnefs ;  my  foul  is  thankful,  andean 
fay,  thou  art  worthy  of  glory  and  praile 
for  evermore.' 

He 


(     '75    ) 

He  continued  to  the  1 3(^  of  the  feventh 
month  1756,  and  then  departed  this  Ufe, 
and  was  interred  in  friends  burying-ground 
the  i8/^of  the  fame,  after  an  awful  meeting, 
(his  corps  being  attended  by  a  very  large 
number  of  friends  and  others)  and  no  doubt 
he  refts,  with  the  fpirits  of  the  juft  mads 
perfe6l,  in  thofe  glorious  manfions  prepared 
for  all  thofe  that  hold  out  in  faithfunefs  to 
the  end.  His  memory  is  very  precious  and 
dear  to  many  who  are  yet  furviving,  and  we 
believe  it  may  truly  be  faid,  that  few  friends 
who  have  travelled  in  this  nation,  have  been 
more  approved,  or  had  more  general  fervice 
in  fo  fhort  a  fpace  of  time. 


A  Ttfi'imony  from  Gwynedd  Monthly-Meeting 
in  Pennfylvania,  concermng^onYk  Evans. 

HE  was  born  in  Denbighlliire,  in  the 
principalityof  Wales,  in  the  year  1689, 
and  arrived  in  Pennfylvania  with  his  parents 
in  1698,  under  whom  he  received  a  pious 
education. — He  was  a  man  of  good  natural 
underftanding  and  favoured  early  in  life 
to  fee  the  necelTity  of  a  diligent  attention  to 
the  voice  of  divine  wifdom,  to  eflablilh  and 
preferve  him  in  peace  with  God ;  and  by  a 
fleady  adherence  to  it,  he  became  honour- 
able in  fociety  and  eminently  ferviceable  in 
the  church  of  Chriil. — In  the  twenty-third 
year  of  his  age  he  appeared  in  the  minift ry 

of 


(    176    ) 

Tof  the  gofpel,  his  deportment  therein  was 
reverent  as  became  a  mind  fenfible  of  the 
awful  importance  of  the  fervice.  He  had  a 
clear  engaging  manner  of  delivery,  was 
deep  in  heavenly  myfteries,  and  plain  in  de- 
claring them ;  being  well  acquainted  with 
the  holy  fcriptures,  he  was  made  fkilful  in 
opening  the  doctrines  therein  contained,  and 
was  often  led  to  draw  lively  and  inllrudlive 
fimilitudes  from  the  viiible  creation.  He 
travelled  through  mofl  of  the  northern  co- 
lonies in  the  fervice  of  truth,  and  feveral 
times  thro'  this  province. — He  was  often 
drawn  to  attend  general  meetings,  funerals 
and  other  public  occafions,  particularly  the 
adjacent  meetings  after  their  firft  eftablilh- 
nient,  over  which  he  had  a  tender  fatherly 
care,  as  a  good  fliepherd  taking  heed  to  the 
flock  ;-^-and  the  great  fhepherd  of  Ifrael 
bleiled  his  labours,  and  afforded  him  at 
times  great  fatisfa6tion  and  comfort. — The 
latter  part  of  his  time,  the  vifible  declenfi- 
on  of  many  from  the  life  and  power  of 
truth,  frequently  made  forrow  and  deep 
lamentation  his  portion.- — His  labours  were 
fervent  with  the  youth,  in  much  love  and 
zeal,  that  they  might  come  to  know  God 
for  themfelves,  bow  their  necks  to  the  yoke, 
and  lay  their  Ihoulders  to  the  work,  faying, 
"  That  their  remembering  their  creator  in 
*'  the  days  of  their  youth,  would  be  as  mar- 
"  row  to  his  bones."  It  v^as  indeed  his 
great  joy  to  behold  the  peaceable  fruits  of 
righteoiifnefs,  and  his  labours  for  the  pro- 
motion 


(     177     ) 
iiiotion  thereof    made  him  honourable  a^ 
mongft  men  of  various  ranks  and  profeiTi- 
ons,  and  his  teftimony  generally  acceptable 
to  them. 

In  the  fupport  of  our  chriflian  difciplincj 
he  was  zealous,  adlive  and  unwearied,  and 
favoured  with  qualification  to  advife  in  dif- 
ficult cafes,  which  feldom  failed  of  fucceed- 
ing.  His  teftimony  was  clofe  againft  hypo- 
Crify  and  an  outfide  fhew  of  religion  only, 
but  full  of  parternal  tendernefs  to  the  af- 
flicfted,  weak,  or  diffident  in  fpirit;  of 
found  judgment,  and  deep  in  divine  expe- 
rience, yet  modeft  and  condefcending,  and 
being  favoured  with  the  defcendings  of  the 
father's  love,  that  at  times  appeared  to  clothe 
him  as  with  a  mantle ;  he  had  an  open-door 
in  the  hearts  of  his  friends,  and  an  afcend- 
ency  over  the  fpirits  of  gainfayers. — He  was 
a  zealous  promoter  of  vifiting  friends  iii 
their  families,  was  many  times  engaged 
therein,  and  his  labours  were  awakening 
and  ufeful ;  often  employ'd  in  vifiting  the 
fick,  the  widow,  and  the  fatherlefs  and  others 
in  afflicftion;  on  thefe  occafions  he  was  fel- 
dom large  in  exprelfion,  but  his  filent  fym- 
pathy  and  fecret  breathing  for  their  relief, 
were  more  confolatory  than  many  words ;  a 
confiderable  part  of  his  time  was  fpent  in 
aflifting  widows,  and  the  guardianfliip  of 
orphans,  which,  though  laborious  to  him, 
was  of  much  advantage  to  them. 

The  importance  of  love  and  peace  to  ci- 
vil and  religious  fociety  he  was  deeply  fen-^ 

N  fible 


(  .78  ) 
fible  of,  diligent  in  promoting  them  both  by 
precept  and  example,  and  fuccefsful  in  re- 
ftoring  harmony  where  any  violation  of  it 
appear'd. — His  condud:  and  converfation  in 
private  life  was  exemplary,  and  fuch  as  im- 
plied an  inward  clofe  infpe(6lion  into  the 
lecret  operations  of  his  own  heart. 

He  was  apprehenhve  of  his  approaching 
end  for  fometime  before  his  laft  illnefs,  and 
told  a  friend,  *  He  fiiould  not  furvive  one 
'  year,'  who  admir'd  he  was  fo  pofitive;  but 
he  made  no  fm'ther  reply  than,  '  See  what 
*  will  follow/  In  his  public  teftimony  alfo, 
he  frequently  faid,  '  He  had  but  an  inch  of 
'  time  to  treat  with  us,'  In  the  firfl  part 
of  his  illnefs,  he  went  to  fome  meetings, 
one  whereof  was  large,  and  he  was  favour'd 
with  flrength  to  Ipeak  in  a  powerful  and  in- 
fhrucflive  manner  to  the  youth,  for  whofe 
welfare  his  defires  were  ardent. — His  difor- 
der  was  How  and  lingering,  wherein  he  was 
favour'd  with  his  underftanding  almoft  to 
the  laft ;  and  akho',  at  fbme  feafons,  he  was 
much  concern'd  on  account  of  the  gloomi- 
nefs  of  the  times  in  religious  and  civil  re- 
fpecIHis,  yet  in  general  he  pollefs'd  a  very 
great  degree  of  calmnefs  and  ferenity  of 
mind,  with  a  perfect  refignation  to  the  will 
of  God,  whether  life  or  death  Ihould  be  his 
portion.  On  the  day  of  his  departure,  ob- 
ferving  his  wife  troubled,  he  faid  with  a 
cheerful -countenance,  *  I  am  eafy,  I  am  ea- 
«.  fy,  and  defir'd  her  to  be  eafy  alio;'  indeed 
it  appear'd  that  the  Lord  had  ftrengthened 

him 


(  ^79  ) 
him  on  the  bed  of  languiflilng,  and  made 
all  his  bed  in  his  ficknefs.  And  thus  hav- 
ing ferved  God  in  his  generation,  he  depart- 
ed the  23^  day  of  the  ninth  month  1756, 
aged  fixty-feven  years ;  having,  we  hope, 
fhaken  himfelf  from  the  dull,  put  on  his 
beautiful  garments,  and  enter'd  the  wed- 
ding chamber  of  the  bridegroom  of  his  foul, 
and  enjoys  the  reward  of  his  faithful  la- 
bours; was  buried  on  the  i^th  day  of  the 
fame  month,  in  friends  burying-ground  at 
Gwynedd. 


A  Tejlmony  from  the  Monthly-Meeting  of  Phi« 
ladelphia,  concerning  Thomas  Brown. 

HE  was  born  in  Barking,  in  the  county 
of  EfTex,  Great-Britain,  on  the  i/>of 
the  ninth  month  1696,  came  whilfl  young 
with  his  parents  into  this  province,  and 
lived  fome  time  in  this  city,  from  whence 
he  removed  with  them  to  Plumllead  in  Bucks 
county,  where  he  firft  appeared  in  the  mi- 
niflry ;  fome  years  after  which,  he  fettled  in 
this  city.  His  gift  in  the  miniftry  was  liv- 
ing, deep,  and  very  edifying ;  and  in  the 
exercife  thereof,  he  was  remarkable  for  an 
awful  care,  not  to  appear  without  clear  and 
renewed  evidence  of  the  motion  of  life  for 
that  fervicc :  And  though  not  a  man  of  li- 
terature, was  often  led  into  fublime  matter, 
which  was  convincing  and  perfuafive,  in  fet- 
N  z  ting 


(     iSo     ) 

ting  forth  the  dignity  and  excellence  of  the 
chriftian  religion,   yet  was   very  attentive 
that   thofe  heighths  fliould  not  detain  him 
beyond  his  proper  gift,    but  to  clofe  in  and 
with  the  life,    which  made  his  miniftry  al- 
ways acceptable  to  the  living  and  judicious. 
Although  he  was  not  led  to  vifit  the  church- 
es in  diftant  parts,  yet  was  fometimes  con- 
cern'd  to  attend  fome  of  the  neighbouring 
meetings,  of  two  of  which  he  has  preferv'd 
fome  minutes,    which   being  a   lively  de- 
fcription  of  his  concern  of  mind  for  the 
promotion  of  the  caufe  of  truth,  it  is  thought 
well  to  fubjoin  them  here  in  his  own  words, 
'   1756,  eighth  month  9//?,  I  went  to  Con- 
cord quarterly-meeting,    but    found    no 
caufe  to  efpoufe  the  caufe  of   God  in  a 
public  manner  that  day.     The  next  day 
went  to  the  youth's  meeting  at  Kennet, 
which  was  to  great  fatisfacflion;  my  foul 
was  fo  bended  tov/ards  the  people,  that  I 
could  fcarcely  leave  them,  being  engaged 
in  a  ftream  of  the  miniilry,  to  extol   the 
divinity  of  that  religion  that  is  breathed 
from  heaven,  and  which  arrays  the  foul 
of  its  poflelTor  with  degrees  of  the  divini- 
ty of  Chrid:,  and  entitles  them  to  an  eter- 
nal inheritance ;    alfo  introduces   a  lan- 
guage, intelligible  only  to  the  converted 
fouls  which  have  accels  to  a  celeftial  foun- 
tain, vvhich  is  no  iefs  than  a  foretafte  of 
eternal  joy,  to  fupport  them  in  their  jour- 
ney towards  the  regions  above,  where  re- 
ligion has  room  to  breathe  in  its  divine 

*  excellencies 


(    J^I    ) 

excellencies  in  the  foul;  here  it  is  inftrucl- 
ed  in  the  melody  of  that  harmonious  fong 
of  the  redeemed,  where  the  morning  rtars 
fing  together,  and  the  fons  of  God  fhout 
for  joy. — ' 

'   1756,  the  2()th  of  the  eighth  month,  I 
vifited  Gwynedd-meeting,  where  in  wait- 
ing in  nothingnefs  before  God,   without 
feeking  or  ftriving  to  awake  my  beloved 
before  the  time,  by  degrees  my  foul  be- 
came invefled  with  that  concern  that  the 
gofpel   introduces,    with  an  opening  in 
'  thefe  words;   I  think  it  may  conduce  to 
'  my  peace,  to  {land  up,  and  engage  in  a 
'  caufe   dignified    with    immortality   and 
'  crowned  with  eternal  life."     The  fubjecft 
railed  higher  and  brighter  until  my  foul 
w^as   tranfported  on  the  mount  of  God 
in  degree,  and  beheld  his  glory ;  where  I 
was  favoured  to  treat  on  the  exalted  ftati- 
on  of  the  redeemed  church,  which  flands 
in  the  eledlion  of  grace,  where  my  foul 
^  rejoiced  with  tranfcendent  joy  and  adored 
*  God.     R.eturned  home  in  peace.' 

His  condudl  and  converfation  was  inno- 
cent and  edifying,  being  much  weaned  from 
the  world  and  the  fpirit  of  it.  He  was  care- 
ful not  to  engage  in  worldly  concerns  fo  as 
to  encumber  iiis  mind,  and  draw  it  off  from 
that  religious  coniemplation,  in  which  was 
his  chief  delight;  which  happy  ftate  of 
mind  he  maintained  to  the  laft,  as  evident- 
ly appeared  to  thofc  friends  who  were  with 

him 


(       l82      ) 

him  towards  his  concluiion ;  to  fome  of 
whom  he  exprefled  himfelf  in  the  following 
manner,  viz. 

*  I  am  fine  and  eafy,  and  don't  know  but 
what  I  may  recover;  but  if  I  fhould,  I 
expedl  to  fee  many  a  gloomy  day,  but 
neverthelefs  I  am  willing  to  live  longer,  if 
I  might  be  a  means  of  exalting  religion, 
that  the  gift  beftowed  on  me,  might  lliine 
brighter  than  it  hath  ever  yet  done,  or  elfe 
I  had  abundance  better  go  now ;  for  I 
think  I  have  ilione  but  glimmeringly  to 
what  I  might  have  done,  had  I  been  ftill 
more  faithful ;  tho'  I  cannot  charge  my- 
felf  with  a  prefumptuous  temper,  nor  wil- 
ful difobedience  ;  but  I  can  fay,  it  has  of- 
ten happened  with  me,  as  with  the  poor 
man  at  the  pool  of  Bethefda,  whild  I  was 
making  ready  another  has  flepped  in.  I 
am  fenfible  that  my  gift  has  been  different 
from  fome  of  my  brethren,  I  have  not 
been  led  fo  much  into  little  things,  but  I 
am  far  from  judging  them. 
'  I  have  often  to  pafs  through  the  valley 
of  the  ihadow  of  death,  and  have  experi- 
enced the  pofTibility  of  a  foul's  fubliiling 
the  full  fpace  of  forty  days  without  re- 
ceiving any  thing,  only  living  by  faith 
and  not  by  fight,  provided  they  keep  up- 
on the  foundation  of  convincement  and 
convicftion,  and  not  turn  afide  to  take  a 
profpe6l  of  the  world,  and  defire  to  draw 
their  comfort  from  viiibles  ;  they  will  be 
fupported  by  an  invifible  yet  invincible 

*  power ; 


(     i83    ) 

power;  for  he  will  be  fure  to  appear,  and 
when  he  doth  appear  at  times,  doth  rend 
the  vail  from  the  top  to  the  bottom,  with 
an  invitation,  as  Samuel  ufed  to  fay  (mean- 
ing Samuel  Fothergill)  **  Come  up  hither, 

and  behold  the  bride  the  lamb's  wife ;" 
then  the  foul  will  have  to  enjoy,  and  fee 
things  beyond  exprefling ;  my  tongue  can 
do  little  or  nothing  at  fetting  it  forth. 
The  foul  will  be  filled  with  holy  admirati- 
on, and  fay,     *'  Who  is  flie  that  looketh 

forth  as  the  morning,  fair  as  the  moon, 

clear  as  the  fun,  and  terrible  as  an  army 

with  banners." 

*  Although  the  foul  has  at  times  to  be- 
hold the  glory,  fplendor  and  magnitude  of 
the  true  church  or  fpoufe  of  Chrift,  yet 
thofe  extraordinary  lights  are  but  feklom, 
not  often;  Though  1  have  had  at  times, 
caufe  to  efpoufe  the  caufe  of  God,  yet 
there  are  times  that  the  foul  is  fo  veiled^ 
and  furrounded  with  temptations  and  fiery 
trials,  and  all  out  of  fight,  that  1  have 
wondered  that  I  was  made  choice  of;  but 
I  have  experienced,  that  they  that  would 
reign  with  Chrift  muft  fufler  with  him ;  I 
never  expect  to  get  beyond  it,  while  I  an\ 
cloathed  with  this  clog  of  mortality, 

'  People  may  have  a  regular  outfide,  and 
be  diligent  in  attending  meetings,  and  yet 
know  little  or  nothing  of  it;  for  formality 
and  externals  are  nothing ;  religion  is  an  in'=> 
ternal  fubjecft,  fubfifting  between  Chrift  and 
the  fold ;    I  dou  t  coutin.e  it  to  Qur  name^ 


xUita 


(     '84    ) 

*  but  amongfl:  the  different  names  there  are; 
•*  that  my  foul  is  nearly  united  to,  who  are 

*  in  a  good  degree,  I  do  believe,  in  pofTelTion 

*  of  that  religion  which  is  revealed  from 

*  heaven :  And  I  am  in  the  faith,  that  there 
'  will  be  them  raifed  up,  that  will  fliine  as 

*  bright  ftars,    and  religion  will  grow  and 

*  proiJ3er,  and  the  holy  flame  rife  to  a  great- 

*  er  height  than  it  hath  ever  yet  done.  I  can 
^  fay  with  the  holyapoftle,  **  I  have  nothing 
'*  to  boaft  of,  fave  my  infirmities,"  yet  thus 
'  much  I  venture  to  fay,  that  if  I  die  now, 

*  I  die  a  lover  of  God  and  religion.'  And  af- 
ter expreffmg  a  compaffionate  fy mpathy  with 
the  poorafBicflcd  churches  up  and  down,  con- 
cluded with  this  faying,  *'  Be  of  good  cheer 
*^'  little  flock,  for  greater  is  he  that  is  in  you, 
^^  than  he  that  is  in  the  world." 

In  the  fixty-firft  year  of  his  age,  he  was 
feized  with  an  apople^lick  diforder,  which 
gradually  increaiing,  deprived  him  of  life, 
on  the  2iy?  of  the  fixth  month  1757,  and 
was  interr'd  in  this  city  the  next  day. 


A  Teftimony  from  Newark  Monthly -Meeting 
in  New-CafHe  county  on  Delaware,  concern- 
ing Betty  Caldwell. 

SH  E  was  the  daughter  of  George  Pierce, 
of  Thornbury  in  Chefter  county,  was 
born  in  Glouceflerfliire  in  Old-England,  and 
^ame  into  Pennfylvania  with  her  parents, 

about 


(  i85  )^ 
about  the  year  1683,  who  fettled  in  Thorn- 
bury  aforefaid.  She  was  married  to  Vin- 
cent Caldwell  in  170J,  and  foon  after  they 
fettled  in  Marlborough,Che{ler  county , where 
fhe  continued,  and  belonged  to  Kennet  meet- 
ing, till  a  few  years  before  her  death,  when 
fhe  removed  to  Wilmington.  She  was  from 
her  youth,  remarkably  exemplary  for  plain- 
nefs  and  fobriety,  much  concerned  for  peace 
in  the  church  and  amongfl  neighbours,  la- 
bouring to  reflore  it  according  to  ability  as 
occafions  required,  often  with  the  defired 
fuccefs.  She  was  very  ferviccable  in  that 
weighty  work  of  vifiting  friends  families,  m 
which  llie  had  at  times  to  impart  to  others,  of 
her  own  experience  in  the  work  of  religion, 
and  to  exhort  to  faithfulnefs  and  obedience  to 
what  the  Lord  requires ;  was  a  conflant  at- 
tender  of  meetings,  and  exemplary  for  folid 
and  humble  waiting  therein,  and  much  con- 
cern'd  that  her  children  might  walk  in  the 
truth.  After  the  death  of  her  hufband  in 
1720,  flie  had  the  care  of  the  family  upon 
herfelf,  rem^aining  in  a  ftate  of  widov/hood 
upwards  of  37  years,  in  which  ftation  flie 
behaved  with  fuch  prudence  and  circum- 
fpecSlion,  that  her  conduct,  in  bringing  up 
her  children  without  much  corredlion,  is 
worthy  of  imitation;  which  together  with 
her  pious  concern  for  the  welfare  of  the 
church,  entitled  her  to  be  accounted  of  the 
number  of  the  *'  Widows  indeed."  She  had 
many  years  been  in  the  ftation  of  an  elder 
for  Kennet  meeting,  and  feveral  years  be- 
fore 


{     i86    ) 

fore  her  death,  had  a  few  words  in  tefti- 
mony  in  meetings,  which  was  generally 
well  received,  being  feafonable  and  weighty. 
Her  lad  ilcknefs  was  a  fever,  which 
brought  her  very  low,  often   '  Praying  the 

*  Lord  to  be  near  her,   and  by  his  fupport- 

*  ing  hand  to  bear  upherfpiritsnow  in  this 

*  pinching  time ;'  and  finillied  her  courfe 
here,  we  believe  in  peace  with  the  Lord  and 
in  unity  with  friends,  the  2.']th  of  the  tenth 
month  1757,  and  was  interr'd  in  Kenne£ 
burying-ground  the  29th  of  the  fame  monthj, 
in  the  feventy-feventh  year  of  her  age. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Burlington  Monthly  -  Meeting 
in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Abraham 

F  A  R  R  I  N  G  T  O  N. 

HE  was  born  in  Bucks  county,  Pennfyl- 
vania,  of  parents  profefhng  the  truth 
as  held  by  us  the  people  called  Quakers. 
About  nine  months  after  his  birth  his  father 
dying,  and  his  mother  fbmetime  after  mar- 
rying from  among  friends,  expofed  him  to 
a  loole  irregular  education ;  about  ten  years 
of  age  being  put  apprentice,  where  through 
eleven  years  fervitude,  he  fuffered  great 
bodily  hardfliip,  and  much  greater  danger 
as  to  the  better  part ;  yet  (fays  he  in  a  manu- 
fcript  left  for  the  ufe  of  his  children)  *  I 
'  took  delight  in  my  bible,  and  believe  the 
^  good  hand  v/as  with  me,  that  inclined  my 

«  mind 


(     1 8?    ) 
'*  mind  thereto. — Tho'  I  followed  lying  va- 

*  nities,  and  fo  forfook  my  own  mercies, 

*  yet  I  could  fay  my  prayers  every  night, 

*  till  I  grew  afraid  to  fay  them  any  more, 

*  and  feemed  like  one  abandoned  from  good 

*  for  feveral  years.'  Having  ferved  his  time 
out,  he  providentially  became  a  refident  in 
Benjamin  Clark's  family  at  Stony-brook,  who 
were  exemplary  and  kind  to  him  ;  '  I  thought 

*  (fays  he)  they  were  the  beft  people  in  the 

*  world,  careful  in  their  words,  yet  cheer- 
^  ful  and  pleafant,  fo  that  I  thought  I  muil: 

*  be  a  Quaker.'  And  Edward  Andrews, 
from  Eggharbour,  being  at  a  quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Croifwicks,  '  He  came  (adds  he)  with 

*  power  to  give  me  my  awakening  call ;    I 

*  was  much  reached,  but  after  the  manner 

*  of  the  world,  looking  at  the  man,  gave 
'  him  the  praife,  viz.  he  is  a  brave  man, 

*  he  preaches  well,  I  wifh  I  lived  near  him, 

*  I  would  go  to   hear  him  every  firfl  day ; 

*  at  fame  time  not  minding  what  he  dire(5l- 

*  ed  to,  Chrift  in  ourfelves,  the  true  teach- 

*  er,  that  will  not  be  removed   till  we  re- 

*  move  from  him ;  in  us  is  the  place  he  has 

*  ordained  to  reveal  himfelf. — I  afterwards 

*  went  more  to  friends  meetings  than  I  had 

*  done  before,  and  read  much  in  friends 
'  books,  but  was  yet  in  the  dark,  the  time 

*  of  my  deliverance  was  not  come,  the  fins 

*  of  the  Amorites  were  not  full ;  1  was  un- 

*  der  Mofes  in  the  wildernefs,  come  out  of 
'  Egypt,  but  Jofliua's  time  was  not  come, 
'  the   Saviour,    the    warrior    that    brings 

*  through 


(     188     ) 

*  through  judgment,  and  makes  war  with 
'  the  old  inhabitants  ;  yet  I  fometimes  long- 

*  ed  for  fomething  which  I  could  not  find, 

*  a  lot  in  the  good  land.     I  think  this  year 

*  Thomas   Willfon  and  James  Dickenfon, 

*  came  into  the  country,   and  fometime  af- 

*  terwards  to  vifit  the  meeting  of  friends  at 

*  Crofiwicks,  I  happened  tobe  at  the  meeting 

*  before  they  came  in ;    the  fight  of  them 

*  flruck  me,  the  heavenly  frame  of  mind 
'  which  their  countenances  manifefled,  and 

*  the  awe  they  feemed  to  fit  under,  brought 

*  a  flillnefs  over  my  mind,  and  I  was  as 
^  ground  prepared  to  receive  the  feed :  James 

*  itood  up  in  the  authority  of  the  gofpel, 

*  and  in  it  he  was  led  to  unravel  me  and  all 

*  my  works  from  top  to  bottom,  fo  that 

*  I  looked  on   myfelf  like  a   man  diffecled 

*  or  pulled  to  pieces,    all   my   religion    as 

*  well  as  all  my  fins  were  fet  forth  in  fuch  a 
'  light  that  I  thought  myfelf  undone:    Af- 

*  ter  he  fat  down,  Thomas  flood  up  and 
*•  brought  me  together  again,  I  mean  what 

*  vras  to  be  raifed,  bone  to  his  bone,  with 
^  the  finews  and  (Irength   that  would  con- 

*  flitute    a    chriftian;      I   almoil    thought 

*  myfelf  new  born,  the  old  man  deitroyed 
^  and  the  new  man  made  up,  concluding  I 

*  fliould  never  be  bad  again,  that  my  fins 
*■  were  forgiven,  and  I  ihould  have  nothing 

*  to  do  but  to  do  good ;  I  thought  I  had  got- 
'  ten  my  lot  in  the  good  land,  and  might 
^  fit  now  under  my  ov/n  vine  and  fig  tree, 

*  and  nothing  more  iliould  make  me  afraid. 

'  Poor 


(     i89    ) 

Poor  creature !  I  had  only  a  fight,  I  did 
not  yet  think  what  powerful  adverfaries  I 
had  to  war  with  ;  this  has  been  the  mife- 
rable  cafe  of  many,  they  have  fat  down 
under  a  convincement,  and  in  a  form  of 
religion,  fome  depending  on  former  expe- 
rience or  former  openings,  fome  on  their 
education,  fome  a  bare  belief,  and  know- 
ledge hiftorical  of  the  fcriptures  and  prin- 
ciple of  truth. — Thus  tho'  I  received  the 
truth,  yet  I  was  like  the  ftony  ground ; 
I  received  it  with  joy,  but  had  not  root  in 
myfelf,  my  heart  grew  hard  again,  for 
when  tribulations,  perfecutions,  tempta- 
tions and  trials  came  upon  me,  I  fell.  Oh! 
how  I  moped  at  times  and  wandered  about 
as  a  prifoner  at  large,  I  would  have  run, 
but  1  could  not,  my  offended  judge,  my 
accufer  was  in  me,  I  could  not  fly  from 
him  ;  yet,  great  goodnefs  was  near,  and 
his  power  kept  me  from  grofs  evils  in  a 
great  degree. — I  kept  pretty  much  to  meet- 
ings, but  there  was  fuch  a  mixture  of  un- 
digefted  matter  in  me,  it  was  not  to  be 
loon  feparated.  Oh!  the  neceflity  there 
was,  and  ftill  is  of  a  continual  watch 
againfl  our  foul's  enemies  both  within 
and  without.' 

Having  palled  thro'  various  probations, 
he  had  confiderable  openings  of  the  divine 
ienfe  of  the  fcriptures,  and  alfo  fav/  that 
the  Lord  had  a  work  for  him  to  do,  to  which 
he  at  length  gave  up,  and  being  faithful 
therein,  was  made  helpful  to  many,  being 

enlarged 


(     '9°    ) 

enlarged  and  found  in  teflimony,  and  at 
times  very  particularly  led  to  explain  paf- 
fages  in  the  fcriptures,  to  the  comfort  and 
information  of  hearers. 

He  was  an  affectionate  hufband  and  pa- 
rent, diligent  in  attending  meetings  for 
worihip  anddifcipline,  and  manifefted  there- 
in a  zealous  concern  for  the  promotion  and 
honour  of  truth,  waiting  for  wifdom  to  fee 
his  duty,  and  (Irength  to  perform  it. — He 
divers  times  travelled  abroad  on  this  conti- 
nent in  the  fervice  of  truth,  and  frequently 
to  the  neighbouring  meetings  to  fatisfaiftion ; 
his  outward  circumlfances  being  at  times 
difficult,  gave  him  an  opportunity  to  fliew 
an  example  of  chriftian  relignation,  and  to  fee 
its  effects  in  divers  providential  affiftances. 

In  1756  he  laid  before  this  meeting  a  re- 
ligious concern  to  vilit  friends  in  Great-Bri- 
tain, which  had  been  on  his  mind  upwards 
of  ten  years,  wherewith  the  meeting  con- 
curring, he  had  our  certificate,  and  embark- 
ing, landed  in  Ireland ;  and  after  viiiting 
the  meetings  in  that  country,  arrived  in 
England  and  performed  his  religious  vifit  in 
feveral  counties,  but  was  taken  ill,  and  died 
in  London  the  26th  of  the  firfl  month  1758; 
iinifliing  his  days  work  with  a  firm  alTurance 
that  the  gates  of  Heaven  were  opened  to 
him  ;  very  acceptable  accounts  of  his  fer- 
vices  both  in  England  and  Ireland  have  been 
received,  as  are  more  fully  fet  forth  in  the 
annexed  teflimony  of  Devonfliire-houfe 
monthly-meeting  concerning  him. 

He 


(     i9>     ) 

He  died  aged  about  fixty-feven,  was  in 
the  profeflion  of  the  truth  near  44,  and  an 
acceptable  mmifter  upwards  of  30  years. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Devoniliire-houfe  Monthly- 
Meeting  in  London,  concerning  h^MiwiMsi 
Fakrington. 

'^I^  HIS  worthy  minifter  and  elder,  having 
X  had  drawings  in  fpirit  for  feveral  years, 
as  we  are  informed,  to  vilit  the  churches 
of  Chrift  in  this  nation  and  Ireland,  in  the 
lervice  of  the  gofpel;  when  he  apprehended 
the  time  approached  wherein  he  was  to  enter 
Upon  this  weighty  engagement,  he  fettled  his 
outward  ajBTairs  ;  and  having  the  concurrence 
and  unity  of  the  brethren,  embark'd  in  a  velTel 
bound  from  Philadelphia  to  Dublin,  in 
company  with  three  friends  from  Europe, 
who  had  performed  a  religious  viiit  to  the 
churches  in  America. — After  a  favoured 
voyage  of  about  four  weeks,  landing  at 
Dublin,  he  viiited  the  meetings  of  friends 
in  Ireland,  and  by  the  accounts  from  thence, 
had  very  weighty  and  acceptable  fervice 
there  :  Having  laboured  faithfully  in  that  na- 
tion to  (Irengthen  the  brethren  and  alfift  in 
building  up  the  wafte  places  in  Zion,  he  em- 
bark'd  for  England,  vifited  the  churches  in 
fome  of  the  northern  counties,  attended  the 
yearly-meeting  at  Penrith, and  afterwards  that 

ill 


(   ^r-  ) 

m  this  city,  his  labour  of  love  in  the  work 
of  the  miniftry,  being  to  edification  and 
comfort,  was  truly  acceptable. — After  at- 
tending the  yearly-meetings  of  Colchefter, 
Woodbridge,  Norwich  and  the  quarterly- 
meeting  of  York,  he  vifited  many  meetings  in 
the  northern  and  midland  counties,  from 
whence  good  accounts  have  been  received  of 
his  weighty  and  affedling  labours.  He  return 
ed  to  London  the  lattter  end  of  the  twelfth 
month  1757.  Having  travelled  with  great 
diligence  and  laboured  fervently,  his  health 
was  impaired ;  neverthelefs  he  attended  meet- 
ings till  his  diforder  increafed  fo  as  to  render 
him  incapable  of  further  fervice. 

As  this  our  dear  friend  fpent  but  little 
time  in  this  city,  we  cannot  from  knowledge 
and  experience  give  fuch  a  teflimony  con- 
cerning him  as  might  be  thought  requilite ; 
yet,  as  fome  of  us  partook  of  the  benefit 
of  his  religious  labours,  we  find  ourfelves 
engaged  to  give  forth  this  teftimony  con- 
cerning him. 

His  converfatlon  was  innocently  cheerful, 
yet  grave  and  infhrudlive ;  he  was  a  man  of 
a  weighty  fpirit,  a  valiant  in  Ifrael ;  a  fliarp 
reprover  of  libertine  and  loofe  profeiTors ;  but 
tender  to  the  contrite  and  humble ;  and  a 
lover  of  good  order  in  the  church. 

He  was  ilrong  in  judgment,  found  in 
dodlrine,  deep  in  divine  things;  often  ex- 
plaining, in  a  clear  and  lively  manner,  the 
hidden  mifleries  wrapt  up  in  the  fayings  of 
rhriJl:,   the  prophets  and  apoftles ;    and  it 

may 


(     193     ) 

may  truly  be  faid,  he  was  well  inflruded 
in  the  kingdom,  bringing  forth,  out  of  his 
trealure,  things  new  and  old. 

His  miniftry  was  in  plainnefs  of  fpeech, 
dnd  attended  with  divine  authority,  reach- 
ing the  witnefs  of  God  in  man,  and  to  the 
habitation  of  the  moui'ners  in  Zion ;  fre- 
quently pointing  out,  in  a  lively  manner, 
the  paths  of  the  exercifed  travellers,  and  the 
fleps  of  heavenly  pilgrims;  by  v/hich  he 
was  made  helpful  to  fuch  as  are  feeking  the 
true  reft,  which  the  Lord  hath  prepared  for 
his  people.  It  may  truly  be  faid,  he  was 
eminently  gifted  for  the  work  of  the  prefent 
day,  remarkably  qualified  to  expofe  the 
niyilery  of  iniquity,  and  to  point  out 
wherein  true  godlinefs  confided. 

His  difiemper  increafmg,  he  was  confined 
to  his  bed,  at  the  houfe  of  our  friend  Tho- 
mas Jackfon,  in  Devonlliire-lquare,  where 
all  neceflary  care  was  taken  of  him.  Du- 
ring his  iilnefs,  he  was  very  fweet  and  ten- 
der in  his  fpirit,  and  remarkably  patient. 
He  uttered  many  comfortable  and  heavenly 
expreffions,    and  feveral   times  faid,    *  He 

*  apprehended  his  time  in  this  world  wou -d 

*  be  but  ihort;'  and  feemed  fully  refignc  I 
to  quit  mortality,  having  an  e'\^idence,  '  Thac 

*  he  fhould  be  clothed  upon  with  immorta- 

*  lity,  and  be  united  to  the  heavenly  hofl.' 
He  had  frequently  been  heard  to  fay,   in 

time  of  health,  *  That  he  thought  he  Ihould 

*  lay  down  his  body  in  this  nation,  and  not 

*  fee -his  friends  in  America  more;'  to  which 

O  h^ 


{    194    ) 

he  appeared  freely  given  up.  He  often  ej?-* 
prefled  his  defire,  *  That  he  might  be  fa-* 
*  voured  with  an  eafy  pafTage,'  which  was 
gracioLilly  granted. 

He  departed  this  Hfe,  the  i6th  of  the  firffc 
month  1758,  Uke  a  lamb,  without  either  figh 
or  groan,  as  one  falling  into  a  fweet  fleep, 
aged  about  hxty-fix  years  ;  and  on  the  30//? 
of  the  fame,  his  body  v/as  carried  to  Devon- 
Ihire-houfe,  where  a  large  and  folemn  meet- 
ing was  held,  which  was  owned  by  him 
whofe  prefence  is  the  life  of  our  meetings ; 
and  from  thence  his  body  was  carried,  by 
friends,  to  their  burying-groundinBunhili- 
fields,  a  large  concourfe  accompanying  it, 
and  ^as  there  decently  interred  among  the 
remains  of  many  of  our  primitive  worthies, 
and  valiant  foldiers  in  the  lamb's  war,  who 
loved  not  their  lives  unto  death,  for  the  word 
of  God  and  teilimony  of  Jefus. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Kennet  Monthly-Meeting  In 
Pennfylvania,     concerning   Hannah 

C  A   R    L   E   T   O   N. 

ANNAH  CARLETON,  late  wife  of 
Thomas  Carleton,  of  Kennet,  in  Chef- 
ter  county  Pennfylvania,  was  born  at  Haver- 
ford  in  the  laid  county,  about  the  ^th  month 
1689;  fhe  was  fenlible  of  the  Lord's  vifita- 
tion  of  love  to  her  in  her  young  years,  and 
as  llie  gave  heed  thereto,  was  prefer ved  in  a 

good 


{     195     ) 

good  degree  from  the  vanities  and  evil  con-^ 
verfation  of  the  world ;  as  llie  grew  in  years 
flie  grew  in  the  truth,  was  a  ferviceable 
friend  in  the  fbciety  and  her  neighbourhood 
in  divers  refpedls ;  and  of  latter  years  was 
helpful  in  that  weighty  work  of  vifiting 
friends  families,  having  at  times  to  impart 
(not  only  in  fuch  opportunities,  but  in  our 
more  public  meetings)  of  her  experience  of 
the  work  of  truth  in  her  young  years,  and 
urging  to  others  the  necefTity  of  the  fame 
work  in  them  ;  which  was  well  receiv'd  by 
friends.  Being  taken  with  an  excefs  of 
bleeding  at  the  nofe,  fhe  v/as  thereby  fo 
weakened  that  for  fome  months  before  her 
deceafe,  llie  did  not  go  from  home  nor  much 
out  of  doors ;  fhe  apprehended  her  end  was 
near,  and  when  it  was  propofed  to  fend  to 
a  docfuor  for  help,  fhe  faid,  '  It  feemed  need- 
lefs,  for  I  am  in  the  hands  of  the  great  phy- 
iician  who  knows  what  is  beft  for  me.'  A 
neighbour  fignifying  llie  hoped  to  fee  her 
better,  fhe  anfwered,     '  Better  I  fliall  be  iu 

*  a  little  time.'  The  friend  replied,  *  In  a 
'  better  ftate  of  health  I  mean  ;'  ihe  anfwer- 
ed, *  I  neither  exped  nor  deiire  it,'  admiring 
the  kindnefs  of  the  almighty  in  favouring 
her  fo,  that  fhe  felt  neither  ficknefs  nor  pain. 
Another  time  flie  faid,   '  As  I  have  laboured 

*  for  peace  and  love,  fb  now  I  fee  nothing  but 
"  peace  before  me,'  vmh  feveral  other  fenten- 
ces  which  manifefled,  that  the  peace  and  qui- 
etnefsfhe  was  favoured  with,  came  from  tlie 
father  of  mercies  to  her  in  her  latl;  moments. 

O  z  She 


(    196    ) 

She  departed  this  life,  the  6th  of  the  fiftli 
month  1758,  about  the  3^  hour  in  the  after-* 
noon,  and  was  buried  in  friends  burying- 
ground  in  Kennet,  the  ^tb  of  the  fame 
month,  in  the  fixty-ninth  year  of  her  age. 


A  Tejlimony  frorn  Gwyriedd  Monthly-Meeting 
in Pennfy  1  vania,  concerning  Jane  Jones. 

JANE  JONES,  wife  of  John  Jones  of 
Montgomery  townfhip,  was  educated 
amongft  friends,  and  as  flie  grew  in  years, 
flie  increafed  in  divine  knowledge,  and  be- 
came a  ferviceable  member  of  the  church. 
The  affability  and  fweetnefs  of  her  difpofiti- 
on,  and  her  love  to  all,  rendered  her  very 
near,  not  only  to  the  faithful,  but  many 
others  alfo.  As  a  parent,  fhe  was  much 
more  concern'd  for  her  children's  eternal 
welfare,  than  for  their  acquiring  of  wealth 
or  preferments  in  this  world.  And  as  flie 
poflelTed  affluence  and  plenty  herfelf,  the 
ienfibility  of  her  heart  towards  the  needy, 
would  not  permit  her  to  eat  her  morfel  alone. 
She  fought  for  the  poor,  and  diflributed 
bountifully  to  their  wants.  As  flie  advanc- 
ed to  old  age,  flie  becanae  frail,  and  fubjedl 
to  pain  and  diibrders,  which  difabled  her 
from  attending  meetings  as  duly  as  flie  de- 
lired;  neverthelefs  her  love  to  truth  and  the' 
profprjrity  of  Zion  brightened  and  increafed^ 
and  flic  bore  her  weakncfs  with  oatience,  as 
a  difpenfation  permitted  for  her  probation. 

She 


(     197    ) 

She  departed  this  life,  the  nth  of  the 
fifth  month  1758,  and  was  interr'd  the  i^th 
of  the  fame  month  in  friends  burying- 
ground  at  Gwynedd,  in  the  feventieth  year 
of  her  age. 


^a 


A  Teflmony  from  Haddonfield  Monthfy-Meet^ 
ing  in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Joseph 

ToMLINSON, 

OU  R  well  efteemed  friend  Jofeph  Tom-^ 
linfon  deceafed,  was  convinced  of  the 
truth  in  the  early  part  of  his  life.  His  zeal 
for  attending  religious  meetings  when  buc 
young,  was  fuch,  that  he  frequently  travelled 
many  miles  on  foot  to  them,  and  continued 
remarkably  diligent  in  attending  all  our  re- 
ligious meetings.  As  he  grew  in  years,  he 
became  more  and  more  ferviceable  amongfl: 
friends,  being  feveral  years  an  overfeer  of 
Haddonfield  meeting,  and  likewife  an  elder ; 
careful  to  maintain  the  difcipline.  His  life 
feemed  to  be  unblameable.  He  was  nearly 
united  unto  his  friends,  and  their  love  to  him 
was  very  great. 

He  died  the  3^  of  the  ninth  month 
1758,  and  we  believe  he  was  prepared  to, 
receive  the  a,ufwer  of  '*  Well  done,  &:c." 

4  TeJlimon^A 


(     iqS     ) 

■  i' 
A  Teftimony  from  Wrights  Town  Movthly- 
Meeting  in  Bucks  county  Pennfylvania,  con-' 
cerning  our  ancient  friend  and  ftfter  Agnes 
Penquite,  w/?^  departed  this  life,  the  zoth 
day  of  the  eleventh  month  1758,  being  tip- 
ivards  of  one  hundred  years  old. 

SH  E  brought  a  certificate  with  her  from 
Europe,  dated  the  6th  day  of  the  fe- 
cond  month  1686.  She  was  of  an  innocent 
pious  hfe  and  converfation,  a  good  example 
in  attending  meetings  both  on  firft  and 
week-days,  until  a  few  years  before  her 
death.  She  was  a  minifler  above  feventy 
years ;  her  teftim.ony,  tho'  generally  £hort, 
was  moilly  to  fatisfadlion  and  edification ; 
and  in  her  declining  age,  when  nature  feem- 
ed  almoft  fpent,  Ihe  appeared  more  divinely 
favoured  than  common,  to  the  admiration 
of  fome.  When  ihe  could  no  longer  attend 
meetings,  flie  would  often,  at  meal  times, 
appear  in  prayer,  with  praifes  to  the  Lord, 
to  the  comfort  and  fatisfacf^ion  of  thofe  pre- 
fent;  and   frequently  fignified,    '  She   had 

*  the  evidence  of  divine  peace.'  Not  long 
before  her  departure  fhe  faid,     '  That  her 

*  fweet  Lord  had  not  forfaken  her,  but  was 

*  ftill  with  her  to  comfort  and  refrefh  her  in 

*  her  old  age.'  Thus  ihe  was  removed  from 
time  to  eternity,  like  a  iliock  of  corn  fully 
ripe, 

A  Tejlimony 


t    199  ) 

A  Tejiimony  from  Gofhen  Monthly -Meeting  in 
Chefter  county^  Pennfylvania,  concerning 
Cadwallader  Jones. 

E  was  born  the  I'jth  of  the  firft  month 
1687,  near  Bala,  in  Merionethfhire, 
in  the  princlpaUty  of  WaJes,  and  removed 
with  his  parents  into  Pennfylvania  about  the 
year  1697;  foon  after  their  arrival,  he  was 
placed  with  a  friend  until  he  came  of  age, 
in  this  time  of  his  youth,'  he  was  naturally 
very  wild  and  airy,  and  delighted  much  in 
vain  company,  until  by  convictions  he  broke 
off  from  his  companions.  In  the  year  17 10 
he  married,  and  foon  after  fettled  a't  Uwch- 
lan  in  Chefter  county,  where  he  remained 
until  his  deceafe.  A  meeting  being  eftablilh- 
ed  at  that  place  fliortly  after  his  removal 
thither,  he  duly  attended  the  fame  both  on 
the  firft  and  other  days  of  the  week;  fome- 
times  remarking,  *  That  he  knew  the  bene- 
'  fit  of  leaving  the  hurry  of  the  world  to 
*  attend  meeting,'  where  he  was  a  good  ex- 
ample, both  in  keeping  to  the  time  appoint- 
ed, and  his  folid  fitting  in  filence.  He  was 
zealous  for  the  fupport  of  our  chriftian  di- 
fcipline  and  a(5live  therein,  as  well  as  in 
overfeeing  the  flock  and  other  fervices  in  the 
church. 

Pie  ferved  in  the  ftation  of  an  elder  about 
28  years,  diligently  attending  thofe  meet- 
ings even  until  old  age  and  under  bodily 
■weaknelles.     la  his  ficknefs,  he  often  ex- 

prefs'd 


(       200      ) 

prefs*d  much  concern  and  forrow  for  feme 
of  the  profefTors  of  truth,  faying,     *  They 

*  are  on  the  decline,  what  will   become  of 

*  them  ?'  And  further  faid,  *  This  thing  had 

*  often  been  a  burden  to  him,  and  he  thought 

*  he  had  difcharged  his  part,  and  it  would  now 
'  foon  become  the  burden  of  others ;'  ex- 
prefllng  a  concern  for  the  right  management 
of  the  difcipline,  and  remarking  the  remiff-. 
nefs  of  fome  herein.  He  frequently  expreff- 
ed  his  relignation  to  the  will  of  God ;  and 
on  the  i\ft  of  the  eleventh  month  1758, 
quietly  departed  this  life,  and  was  buried 
the  i^d  in  friends  burying-ground  atUwch= 
Ian  atorefaido 


A  Tejlimony  from  Woodb  ridge  Monthly -Meet- 
ing in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Sarah 
S  H  o  T  w  E  L  L. 

SARAH  SHOTWELL  departed  this  life, 
in  the  eighth  month  1759,  in  the  forty- 
fourth  year  of  her  age.  She  was  educated 
amongft  friends  on  Long-Ifland,  and  was 
early  engaged  in  a  public  teftimony.  In  the 
twenty-feventh  year  of  her  age,  fhe  was 
married  to  Jofeph  Shotwell  of  Rahway  ;  was 
a  woman  much  beloved,  of  a  fweec,  free 
and  hofpitable  fpiiit,  guarded  in  her  ex- 
preiTions,  careful  to  give  no  juft  occafion  of 
offence,  a  prudent  loving  wife,  a  tender  ex- 
emplary  parent,  an   afiedlionate  and  kind 

neighbour ; 


(       20I        ) 

neighbour;  often  fympathizing  wltli  thofc 
in  afHi(5lion,  efpecially  fuch  as  were  religi- 
ous and  virtuous ;  the  rich  and  poor  of  thofe 
were  equally  near  to  her,  and  nearer  than 
natural  kindred  where  truth  had  not  united 
in  fpirit :  She  gladly  received  ftrangers  ;  and 
her  carriage  and  behaviour  to  young  mini- 
fters  and  burden-bearers,  manifefted  her 
concern  for  and  fympathy  with  them,  often 
dropping  feafonable  hints  for  their  encou- 
ragement. Although  file  did  not  travel  much 
abroad,  yet  Hie  was  diligent  in  attending 
meetings  at  and  about  home,  being  endued 
with  a  found  and  living  miniftry,  clear  and 
diftindt  in  her  teflimony,  whereby  many 
were  alarmed,  fome  convinced,  flrengthen- 
ed  and  confirmed  in  the  faith  through  a 
blefTmt?  on  her  labours.  She  was  much  en- 
gaged  in  filent  humble  waiting  on  the  Lord, 
who  was  pleafed  to  own  her,  and  often  raife 
in  her  memorials  and  fongs  of  thankfgiving 
to  the  God  of  all  mercies,  who  never  for- 
fook  his  people  in  the  deep,  nor  left  them  to 
perifli  in  the  wildernefs,  but  was  faithful 
and  true,  and  failed  not  to  bring  to  the  pro- 
mifed  land.  The  gofpel  truths  flie  ijvas  en- 
abled to  open,  were  ih  afFecfling  to  many, 
that  fome  who  were  prejudiced  againft  wo- 
men's preaching,  have  been  heard  to  fay, 
*  If  fuch  a  thing  could  be,  Ihe  was  a  true 
'  gofpel  minifler.* 

She  was  a  pattern  of  humility,  not  feek- 
ing  applaufe,  nor  forward  in  her  public  ap- 
pearances,  and  tho'  fometimes  large,    was 

generally 


(       202       ) 

generally  careful  not  to  ftand  long;  fervent 
and  living  in  prayer,  wherein,  we  believe, 
flie  had  accefs  to  the  father.  She  frequently 
exhorted  all  to  come  up  in  faithfulnefs,  fig- 
nifying,    '  That  God  would  have  a  people 

*  that  would  ferve  him  in  uprightnels  and 

*  integrity  of  heart.' 

Having  had  a  fight  fometime  before  her 
laft  ficknefs,  that  her  time  here  was  nearly 
accomplillied,  flie  departed  this  life,  after 
about  four  days  illnefs,  in  a  refigned  frame 
of  mind. 


4 

A  Tejlimony  from  Hopewell  Monthly-Mceting 
z?z  Virginia,  concerning  Isaac  Hollings- 

WORTH. 

IN  his  youthful  days  he  was  deeply  afFe6l- 
ed  with  the  vifitation  of  the  love  of  God, 
and  by  adhering  and  carefully  waiting  in 
his  counfel,  he  was  prelerved  from  the  de- 
hiding  vanities  of  the  world,  which  are  too 
apt  to  draw  and  divert  the  minds  of  young 
people,  from  an  awful  regard  to  him  who 
created  them.  He  received  a  gift  in  the 
miniftry  vvhen  about  twenty-one  years  of 
age,  and  was,  we  believe,  a  faithful  labour- 
er in  his  mafter's  work,  being  much  con- 
cern'd  for  the  promotion  of  truth  and  thb 
eternal  well-being  of  mankind :  Of  a  fober 
and  grave  deportment,  diligent  in  attending 
religious  meetings,  and  exemplary  in  hum-. 

blO: 


(       203       ) 

bie  waiting  therein.  He  vifited  the  chnrcli- 
es  in  divers  parts  of  the  neighbouring  colo- 
nies ;  and  we  find  by  accounts  from  thence, 
that  his  fervices  and  labours  of  love  were 
well  accepted  among  them.  In  the  year 
1757  he  removed  with  his  family  within  the 
limits  of  Fairfax  monthly- meeting,  fo  that 
we  cannot  give  a  very  particular  account 
of  him,  towards  the  latter  part  of  his  time, 
wliich  we  refer  to  that  meeting. 

A  Supplement  to  the  foregoing  Tefl'imonyy  from 
Fairfax  Monthly- Meeting  in  Virginia. 

TH  E  foregoing  teftimony  coiT^arning 
our  worthy  friend  Ifaac  Hollingf\«Drth, 
was  read  in  this  meeting,  to  which  we  are 
free  to  add,  that  the  few  years  he  refided 
among  us,  he  v/as  a  diligent  attender  of  our 
religious  meetings,  and  alfb  a  promoter  of 
opportunities  for  retirement  in  families, 
lie  greatly  defired,  '  That  truth  might  prof- 

*  per  in  the  hearts  of  the  youth,'  being  fre- 
quently concern'd  in  meetings,  to  fpeak  to 
and  encourage  them,   *  To  come  up  in  their 

*  duty,'  and  alfo  to   warn  the  difbbedient, 

*  To  forfake  the  evil  of  their  ways;'  A 
degree  of  the  holy  anointing  accompanying 
his  miniftry,  it  tended  to  the  encourage- 
ment and  edification  of  the  fincere  in  heart.. 

His  lad  illnefs  was  a  nervous  diforder, 
•which  continued  on  him  nineteen  days; 
within  which  time  he  attended  our  meeting 
on  a  firft  day,  and  bore  a  living  teftimonr 

mucii 


(       204       ) 

ranch  to  the  f^itisfadlion  of  friends,  where- 
by he  feemed  much  fpent;  and  on  going 
home  he  immediately  took  his  bed,  uttering 
but  few  words,  and  departed  this  hfe,  eafy 
and  quiet,  on  the  loth  of  the  ninth  month 
1759,  and  on  the  i2.th  of  the  fame  month, 
was  interred  in  friends  burying-ground  at 
Fairfax,  aged  about  thirty-feven  years  ;  and 
we  doubt  not  he  is  a  partaker  of  that  joy 
which  crowns  the  labours  of  the  faithful. 


f 
A  Teftirmny  from  Buckingham  Monthly-meet^ 

in^f  Bucks  comity  Pennfylvania,  concern- 

z>^ Edmund  Kinsey. 

E  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  in  the 
_  year  1683,  and  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to 
make  him  acquainted  with  truth,  which  he 
embraced  in  a  good  degree,  and  became  fo-» 
ber,  grave  and  fteady  in  his  deportment. 
In  his  early  days  he  received  a  gift  in  the 
miniftry,  wherewith  friends  had  unity ;  be- 
ing alfo  ferviceable  and  exemplary  to  the 
particular  meeting  of  Buckingham  when  it 
was  fmall,  by  his  diligence  in  attending  it, 
his  humble  waiting  therein,  and  lively  mi- 
niftry  to  the  refrelhing  and  encouraging  of 
the  little  jflock.  Though  his  underftanding 
as  a  man  was  not  very  cxteniive,  yet  that 
was  abundantly  fupplied  by  lus  meek,  in- 
nocent, loving  and  inofienfive  deportment 
to  all  people.     He  was  very  diligent  and  in- 

duilrious 


(  20^  •) 
diiflriotis  in  his  outward  affairs,  a  good  ex- 
ample in  his  family,  and  atFedlionate  to 
friends.  His  latter  days  were  attended  with 
great  afflicftion  of  body,  which  he  bore  with 
patience  and  relignation,  frequently  lignify- 
ing  his  '  Dependance  on  the  Lord,  the  great 
*  phyfician  of  value;'  faying,  **  He  was 
*'  travelling  towards  the  city  of  reft,  whofc 
"  builder  and  maker  God  is."  Having  at- 
tained to  the  age  of  feventy-fix  years,  he 
departed  this  life,  the  2/^th  of  the  twelfth 
month  1759,  in  great  peace  and  good  will 
to  all  men.    A  minifter  upwards  of  40  years. 


A  Tefiimotiy  frojn  Salem  Monthly- Meetmg  in 
New-Jerfey,  concerning  Elizabeth  Da- 
niel, ivife  of  James  Daniel. 

SH  E  was  born  in  the  year  1709,  was  a 
woman  endowed  with  a  lively  gift  in 
the  miniftry,  and  by  yielding  in  obedience 
to  the  heavenly  call  and  following  the  paths 
of  true  wifdom,  it  became  as  a  crown  and 
royal  diadem  on  her  head;  for  the  truth 
was  her  chief  adorning,  and  by  it  fhe  was 
advanced  from  a  poor,  low,  defpifed  girl,  to 
be  as  a  mother  in  our  Ifrael ;  and  by  wif- 
dom  was  enabled  to  ftand  in  the  midft  of 
the  congregation,  with  reputation  and  ho- 
nour for  the  caufe  of  our  God,  and  to  plead 
"With  gainfayers  and  the  lukewarm,  to  join  in 
with  the  glorious  trutli  that  had  made  her 

free, 


(       206       ) 

free,  in  the  demonftratiou  of  the  power  of 
pure  love ;  and  in  the  ftream  thereof  fhe 
was  often  led  forth,  to  comfort  the  mourn- 
ful travellers  in  Zion,  and  in  the  line  of  ex- 
perience could  tell  what  great  things  the 
Lord  had  done  for  her  foul,  thro'  her  obedi- 
ence and  truft  in  him,  to  whom  flie  freely 
attributed  all  fhe  received  as  from  his  boun- 
tiful hand,  and  thereby  gave  the  glory  to 
God,  and  adminiftred  comfort  to  weary 
travelling  fouls.  But  being  of  a  backward 
fpirit,  from  a  fenle  of  her  own  weaknefs, 
was  loath  to  give  vip  to  travel  in  truth's  fer- 
vice,  which  often  brought  her  very  low  un- 
der fuGJai  exercifes.  She  fometimes  travelled 
in  P^mfylvania  and  Maryland,  of  which 
fervice  we  had  coitifortable  accounts,  and 
was  alfo  ufeful  in  buildhig  up  the  church 
within  the  limits  of  our  monthly-meeting. 
She  was  very  lively  to  the  lafl,  and  her 
teftimonies  were  accompanied  with  power 
that  made  them  truly  feafonable  to  the  au- 
ditory, the  divine  prefence  being  fenfibly 
with  her,  under  a  fenfe  whereof  fhe  was 
very  much  religned,  and  rather  dehrous  to 
depart  and  be  at  relt  with  the  Lord.  On 
being  a!ked  how  ihe  was,  Ihe  anfwered  with 
much  calmnefs,  *  1  am  in  great  pain  of  bo- 
dy, but  quite  eafy  in  mind,  free  to  depart 
and  be  releafedfrom  my  various  exercifes; 
and  feel  as  if  my  day's  work  was  done, 
and  that  I  might  lay  down  this  tabernacle 
in  peace.  But  Oh!  the  pain  at  times  is  lb 
great,    nature  is  ready  to  Ihrink,   and  am 

'  afraid 


(     207     ) 

*  afraid  I  fliall  not  be  able  to  bear  it  with 

*  that  patience  1  ought,   tho'  I  ftrive  for  ic, 
'  for  my  mind  is  quite  eafy  and  refigaed.' 

Her  pain  was  great  under  the  extremity 
of  a  fliarp  pleurify,  and  after  fcveu  day*, 
this  fervant  of  the  Lord  quietly  departed  in 
peace,  on  the  30//J  of  the  tenth  month  1760, 
in  the  fifty-firft  year  of  her  age,  and  the  zdth 
of  her  pubUc  miniftry. 


A  TeJIhmny  from  Haddonfield  Monthly- Meet-^ 
ing  in  New-Jerfey,  concenwig  Joshua 
Lord.  '^ 

E  was  born  the  firfl:  day  of  the  eleventh 
month  1698,  near  Woodberry,  in  the 
countyofGloucellerWeft-New-Jerfey,  of  pa- 
rents profefTmg  with  friends,  and  appeared  in 
the  miniftry  about  the  year  1727,  being  early 
favoured  to  experience  a  growth  therein, 
becoming  a  ufeful  member  in  fociety.  The 
forepart  of  his  time  he  travelled  pretty  much, 
having  twice  vilited  friends  in  New-England 
and  Long-Ifland,  as  alfo  Maryland,  Virgi- 
nia and  North-Carolina;  of  which  fervices 
we  had  flitisfadlory  accounts  by  certificates ; 
he  alfb  frequently  viiited  the  neighbouring 
meetings  in  Pennfylvania  and  the  Jerfeys  ; 
the  latter  part  of  his  time  he  fpent  mollly  at 
home. 

His 


(     2o8     ) 

His  laft  illnefs  was  of  fhort  continuance, 
in  which  he  was  favoured  with  a  quiet  and 
refigned  mind;    exprelTing,    *  That  he  had 

*  gone  through  a  feries  of  trouble,  but  had 

*  been  fupported  by  the  beft  of  fupport;' 
and  we  beUeve  he  is  gone  to  enjoy  that  un- 
mixed fehcity  that  will  never  have  an  end. 

He  departed  this  life,  the  i(^th  of  the 
eleventh  month  1760,  aged  about  fixty-two 
years,  and  on  the  22d  of  the  fame  month 
was  interr'd  in  friends  burying-ground  at 
Woodberry  Creek. 


A  Tejiimony  from  Chefterfield  Monthly -Meeting 
in  New- Jerfey,  C07icermnglsA  a  c  Ho  r  no  r  . 

HE  was  fon  of  John  and  Mary  Hornor, 
born  the  ijth  of  the  fecond  month 
1678,  in  the  town  of  Tadcafter,  in  York- 
fliire  Old-England.  In  1683,  he  came  with 
his  parents  to  America,  and  fettled  within 
the  limits  of  this  meeting.  After  his  fa- 
ther's deceafe,  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  vifit 
him  with  his  blefled  truth  in  his  young 
years,  which  he  received  in  the  love  of  it, 
and  being  obedient  thereto,  as  he  grew  in 
years  he  grew  in  grace,  and  in  the  laving 
knowledge  thereof,  whereby  he  became  a 
ferviceable  member  amongfl  friends,  both 
as  an  overfeer  and  elder.  Although  he  did 
not  appear  in  public  teftimony,  he  had  a 
fenfe  of  the  true  miniftry,  and  was  particu- 
larly 


(  -209  ) 
iarly  qualified  to  adminifter  counfel  and 
admonition;  often  advifing  to  a  fteady 
couffe  of  life,  and  fetting  forth  the  v/ay 
and  leadings  of  truth  in  a  very  informing 
and  encouraging  manner,  to  the  edification 
and  comfort  of  many,  which  render'd  his 
converfation  agreeable,  not  only  amongffc 
thofe  of  our  fociety,  but  others  alfb ;  being 
likewife  ufeful  in  fettling  differences.  His 
luting  and  waiting  in  meetings  was  grave 
and  folid  becoming  a  true  worfliipper  j  was 
a  nurfing  father  and  a  faithful  elder, 
ferving  in  that  ftation  divers  years.  He 
departed  this  life,  after  a  fliort  ilinefs^  on 
the  2i\.th  of  the  eleventh  month  1760,  and 
was  interred  in  a  burying-ground  on  his 
own  plantation,  aged  eighty-two  years  and 
fix  months. 


A  Tefiimony  from^veiham  Mont bfy- Meeting-  m 
New-Jerfey,  concerning  Obadi  a  h  Bor  ton. 

HE  was  born  in  the  townfhip  of  Evef- 
ham,  in  New-Jerfey,  in  the  year  170S, 
and  the  influence  of  divine  grace  made  early 
impreffions  on  his  mind  whilft  young  iu 
years,  which  led  him  to  love  folitude  and 
ibbriety,  and  to  Ihun  thofe  vices  incident 
to  youth.  About  the  twehty-fecond  year 
of  his  age,  a  difpenfation  of  gofpei  mini- 
flry  was  committed  to  him.  He  was  very 
awful  at  times  in  his  public  approach  before 
F  the 


{       210       ) 

the  divine  majefLy  in  prayer,  and  often  en- 
gaged to  exhort  friends  to  humiUty,  and  to 
ihun  arrogancy  and  pride,  being  a  good  ex- 
ample herein  himfelf;  fo  that  his  upright 
innocent  deportment,  gained  him  the  good 
efteem  of  his  friends  and  others.  He  depart- 
ed this  Hfe,  the  "jth  of  the  feventh  month 
1 76 1,  aged  fifty-three,  a  minifter  31  years, 
and  was  bmied  at  Eveiliam. 


A  Tejiimonyfrom  Haddonfield  Monthly-Meeting 
in  New-r  [erfey,  concerning  ELizABETfi 
Es  T  A  u  G  H. 

H  E  was  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
Haddon,  friends  of  London ;  born  in 
the  year  1682,  her  parents  gave  her  a  Ube- 
ral  education ;  who  having  an  eflate  in  lands 
in  this  province,  propofed  coming  over  to 
fettle;  and  in  order  thereto,  fent  perfons 
over  to  make  fuitabie  preparation  for  their 
reception ;  but  they  being  prevented  from 
coming,  this  our  friend  with  her  father's 
confent,  came  over,  and  fixed  her  habitati- 
on where  he  propoied  if  he  had  come ;  flie 
being  then  about  twenty  years  of  age,  in 
a  fingle  ftate  of  life,  and  exemplary  therein. 
In  the  year  1702,  llie  was  married  to  our 
worthy  friend  John  Eftaugh,  who  fettled 
with  her  wliere  ihe  then  dwelt,  the  place  be- 
ing called  Haddonfield,  in  allufion  to  her 
maiden  name;    there  they  lived  together, 

near 


[211        ) 

Bear  forty  years  (except  in  that  fpace,  her 
feveral  times  crolling  the  fea  to  Europe,  to 
vifit  her  aged  parents,  and  when  he  was 
called  abroad  on  truth's  fervice,  to  which 
flie  freely  gave  him  up.)  She  was  endowed 
with  great  natural  abilities,  which  being 
fandlilied  by  the  fpirit  of  Chrift  were  much 
improved,  whereby  fhe  became  qualified  to 
adi  in  the  affairs  of  the  cirarch,  and  was  a 
ferviceable  member,  having  been  clerk  to 
the  women's  meeting  near  50  years,  greatly 
to  fatisfacflion.  She  was  a  fincere  fympathi- 
zer  with  the  afBided,  of  a  benevolent  dif- 
polition,  and  in  diftributing  to  the  poor, 
was  defirous  to  do  it  in  a  way  mod  profita- 
ble and  durable  to  them,  and  if  poflible, 
not  to  let  the  "  Right  hand  know  what  the 
"'  left  did;"  and  tho'  in  a  (late  of  afHu- 
ence  as  to  this  world's  wealth,  was  an  ex- 
ample of  plainnefs  and  moderation;  zeal- 
ouily  concern'd  for  maintaining  good  order 
in  the  church,  diligent  in  attending  meet- 
ings at  home,  where  her  fervice  feemed 
principally  to  be^  and  from  her  awful  fit- 
ting, we  have  good  caufe  to  believe  £he  waa 
an  humble  waiter  therein,  which  admini- 
(lered  edification  to  the  folid  beholder.  Her 
heart  and  houfe  was  open  to  her  friends, 
whom  to  entertain,  feemed  one  of  her  greateft 
pleafures ;  was  prudently  cheerful,  and  well 
knowing  the  value  of  friendihip,  was  care- 
ful not  to  wound  it  herfelf,  nor  encourage 
others  in  whifpering  and  publilhing  their 
failings  or  ilippofed  weakneifes, 

P  3  Hej^ 


{      212      ) 

Her  lad  illnefs  confined  her  about  three 
months,  being  often  in  great  bodily  pain, 
but  favoured  with  much  cahnnefs  of  mind 
and  fweetnefs  of  fpirit,  which  render'd  her 
confinement  more  eafy  to  herfelf  and  thofe 
with  her,  which  affords  matter  of  encourage- 
ment to  furvivors,  to  prefs  after  the  mark 
of  the  high  caUing  in  Chrift  Jefus.  She  de- 
parted this  hfe,  the  30^-6  of  the  third  month 
1762,  as  one  falling  afleep,  full  of  days, 
like  unto  a  fhock  of  corn  fully  ripe.  Her 
body  was  interred  on  the  ijl  of  the  fourth 
month  following,  in  friends  burying-ground 
at  Haddonfield,  being  accompanied  by  ma- 
ny friends  and  others,  where  a  folid  meeting 
was  held  J  aged  about  eighty-two  years. 


■nnnacWSS^na 


A  Tejlmony  from  Woodbridge  Monthly- Meet- 
ing in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Anna  Web- 
ster. 

ANNA  WEBSTER,  an  elder,  wife  of 
John  Webfter  of  Plainfield,  departed 
this  life,  the  20th  day  of  the  fifth  month 
1762,  in  the  thirty-fixth  year  of  her  age. 
She  was»favoufed  when  young,  to  have  her 
mind  turned  to  him  who  is  able  to  preferve 
all  that  p\it  their  truft  in  him ;  and  by  her 
obedience  to  the  manifeftations  of  divine 
light,  fhe  was  enabled  to  conduct  herfelf  in 
a  fleady  and  upright  manner ;  and  in  the 
time  of  her  lail  iicknefs,  gave  much  ufeful 

and 


(     213     ) 
and  inflru(5live  advice,  to  her  hufband,  chil- 
dren and  friends.     She  divers  times  entreat- 
ed her  hufband,   *  To  give  up  to  the  Lord^s 

*  difpofings,   and  not  to  be  over  troubled 

*  about  her,'  exprefling,  *  Her  dependance 

*  on  the  Lord  and  refignation  to  his  will,' 
with  delires,  '  That  the  Lord  would  be  with 

*  and  comfort  him,  and  that  he  might  feek 

*  for  heavenly  wifdom,  and  thereby  be  di- 
■  redled  how  to  walk  before  the  Lord,   and 

*  bring  up  their  children  in  his  fear,    that 

*  they  may  have  a  portion  in  heaven;'  charg- 
ing her  children,  *  To  confider  the  poor  and 

*  adminifter  to  their  necefTities.' 

At  a  time,   fpeaking  to  her  elded  fon,  fhe 
faid,   *  My  dear  child,    let  it  never  be  faid 

*  of  thee,  *'  The  foxes  have  holes,  and  the 
*'  birds  of  the  air  have  nefts,  but  the  fon 
*'  of  man  hath  not  whereon  to  lay  his  head." 
She  earneftly  importuned  friends,  '  To  keep, 
'  not  only  themfelves,  but  their  offspring, 

*  to  week-day  meetings,   and  teach  them  to 

*  wait  on  the  Lord,    that  he  might  merci- 

*  fully   blefs    them.'      Alfo    recommended, 

*  Unity  amongft  friends,'  expreffing,   *  Her 

*  forrow  in  the  breach  thereof,'  and  urged 
clofely,  '  The  neceffity  of  living  in  love;' 
entreating  friends,    '  To  notice  her  hufband 

*  and  children  in  their  diftrefs,  and  watch 
'  over  and  advife  her  children,    not  fparing 

*  to  tell  them  their  faults.' 

She  advifed  her  children,  *  In  all  their 
'  undertakings  to  feek  the  Lord  for  counfel, 
*•  ^fpecially  in  that  of  choofing  companions,' 


t      214      ) 

and  exprefs'd  her  experience  of  favours  re,- 
ceived  thereby,    faying,     '  She  had  often 

*  magnified  that  gracious  hand  which  was 

*  with  her  when  a  poor  orphan  child;    and 

*  preiTed  thern  to  ferve  the  Lord  in  their 
'  youth,  which  would  draw  divine  blefhngs 

*  on  them ;'    adding,   *  There  are  excellent 

*  accounts  of  God's  love  to  fuch  as  give  up 
'  all  in  their  youth ;'    and  charged  them, 

*  To  avoid  bad  company,  and  keep  toplain- 

*  nefs;'  ftrongly  advifing,  '  Againft  difobe- 

*  dience  to  parents/ 

At  a  time  when  feveral  young  people  were 
prefent,  one  of  whom  v/as  light  and  airy, 
Jhe  teftified  againfther  vain  pradices  in  very 
moving  exprelTions,  and  informed  her,  *  That 

*  the    enemy    would    incline    the   mind   in 

*  meetings,   to   fuch  vanities  as  were  prac- 

*  tifed  out  of  mxeetings.' 

She  was  divers  times  concern'd  in  fervent 
prayer  and  fupplication  to  the  almighty, 
'  That  flie  might  have  fure  hope  before  her 

*  change,   and  bear  patiently  her  diifrefs ; 

*  and  for  the   poor  afflifted   feed,    that  the 

*  Lord's  work  might  be  carried  on  in  the 

*  earth,  and  that  he  would  deilroy  all  the 
'  inventions  of  the  enemy,  which  lead  peo- 

*  pie  to  fin  againft  him.'  Many  more  dteyy 
and  weighty  exprefiions  (he  uttered,  which 
for  brevity  fake  are  oinitted. 

May  the  dying  penetrating  language  of 
one  whofe  general  conducl  was  virtuous, 
have  a  proper  imprelfion  on  our  minds, 
and  flir  us  up  to  prepare  for  our  great  and 
;^nal  change,  is  our  fincere  defirc, 

A  TcJlhiiQiiy 


(     215     ) 

A  Tejlmony  frojn  Oat^^v^tXdi  Monthly-Meeting 
in  New- J erfey,  concerning  S  a  R  a  h  M  u  r  fi  n  . 

THIS  worthy  woman  was  one  whom  It 
pleafed  the  Lord,  to  call  out  of  the 
broad  way  and  vanities  of  the  world,  and 
make  acquainted  with  his  blefled  truth  ;  and 
as  file  abode  under  the  crofs,  it  pleafed  the 
almighty  to  manifefl  unto  her,  that  fhe  was 
a  chofen  veffel  or  inftrument  for  his  fervice, 
to  preach  the  gofpel.  She  was  fervent  in 
prayer,  fcrviceable  in  vificing  families,  and 
her  godly  example  in  life  and  converfation, 
great  humility  andfelf-denial,  much  adorn- 
ed her  miniflry ;  careful  to  bring  up  her  fa- 
mily in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  plain- 
nefs  of  fpeech  and  apparel ;  being  indeed  a 
mother  in  Ifrael. 

We  fervently  defire  that  the  great  Lord  of 
the  harveft,  may  be  pleafed  to  continue  to 
his  church  and  people,  a  living  miniftry; 
and  that  many  may  be  made  willing  to  run 
his  errands  and  be  ferviceable  in  his  hand, 
as  was  this  our  v/orthy  friend,  who  depart- 
ed this  life,  the  ittth  of  the  feventh  month 
1762,  aged  about  feventy-fix  years. 


A  Tejllmony. 


(       2l6       ) 

A  Teflimony  from  Rahway  Monthly -Meeting  in 
New-Jerfey,  concerning  Eleanor  Shot- 
well. 

ELEANOR  SHOTWELL,  late  wife  of 
Jacob  Shotwell  of  Rahway,  was  a  ten- 
der hearted  friend,  and  encouraged  fuch  as 
fought  the  Lord.  She  was  an  elder  of  found 
judgment,  concern'd  for  the  church's  wel- 
fare, and  that  Zion  might  be  reftored  to  her 
primitive  beauty,  and  was  a  pattern  of  plain- 
nefs  and  felf-denial.  In  the  ninth  month 
1 762,  being  on  her  journey  to  attend  the  year- 
ly-meeting at  Philadelphia,  a  friend  mention- 
ed the  danger  of  going  to  faid  city,  on  account 
of  an  infedlious  diftemper  then  prevalent 
there;  to  which  fhe  replied,  '  She  had  no 
'  fear  on  that  account,    and  that  it  was  no 

*  matter  where  we  departed  the  world,  fo 

*  that  we  were  in  our  duty.'  She  according- 
ly went  to  the  meeting  and  attended  the  fit- 
tings df  it,  until  fhe  was  fuddcnly  feized 
with  a  violent  diforder,  attended  with  ex- 
treme pain  near  three  days,  which  fhe  bore 
with  a  calm  and  even  mind.  To  a  friend 
who  vifited  her,   flie  faid,   *  She  was  almoll: 

*  gone,  and  in  great  pain  of  body,  but  ex- 

*  ceeding  peace  of  mind.'  At  another  time 
faid,  '  It  was  fatisfadory  that  her  peace  was 
'  made  with  the  Lord,  and  that  it  would  be 

*  terrible  to  have  a  wounded  confcience  at 

*  fiich  a  tune  to  ftruggle  with.'  Concerning 
her  hufband  and  children  whom  flie  dearly 

loved, 


(       217       ) 

loved,  flie  faid,  *  Though  fhe  was  not  like  to 

*  fee  them  more,   fhe  was  glad  in  the  Lord, 

*  that  flie  had  given  up  to  attend  the  yearly- 

*  meeting  ;*  expreffing  her  defire,  *  That  her 

*  offspring  fliould  be  brought  up  in  plain- 
'  nefs,  and  that  friends  watchful  care  might 

*  be  over  them ;  and  that  her  hufband  might 

*  be  preferved  in  felf-denial,  and  humble  re- 

*  fignation  to  the  Lord's  will  in  all  his  trials.' 
She  departed  this  ]ife,    on  the  id  day  of 

the  tenth  month  1762,  in  the  forty-fixth 
year  of  her  age,  and  w;i  s  interr'd  in  friends 
burying-ground  at  Philadelphia. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Burlington  Monthly-Meeting 
z«New-Jerfey,fo«(:^rm«^  Peter  Fearon. 

HE  was  the  fon  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
Fearon,  of  Great-Broughton,  in  Cum- 
berland, and  born  in  or  about  the  year 
1683.  He  came  amongfl  friends  on  a  prin- 
ciple of  convincement,  during  his  appren- 
ticelliip  with  his  uncle  Peter  Fearon,  and 
appeared  in  a  few  words  in  meetings  before 
he  was  twenty  years  of  age.  In  the  latter 
end  of  1703,  with  the  concurrence  of  friends, 
he  left  England,  and  landed  in  Virginia, 
where  he  (laid  about  three  months,  then 
came  to  Burlington  in  the  fecond  month 
1704,  and  from  that  time  until  his  deceaie, 
he  was  a  ufeful  member  of  this  meeting. 

Between 


(      2l8      ) 

Between  the  years  1704  and  1730,  lie 
travelled  Jntbefervice  of  thegofpel,  through 
mod  parts  of  this  continent  v^here  meetings 
were  then  fctlled,  and  to  fome  provinces  fe- 
veral  times ;  and  employed  above  two  years 
in  vifiting  friends  in  England,  Scotland  and 
Ireland;  returning  with  fatisfaclory  certifi- 
cates of  the  approbation  and  unity  of  friends 
with  his  religious  labours. 

After  thofe  travels,  his  worldly  circum- 
ftances  being  attended  with  difBculties,  and 
his  defires  earneft  that  he  mi^ht  get  through 
them  with  credit,  he  went  many  voyages 
to  fea  as  a  faclor,  chiefly  to  Boflon  and  the 
iiland  of  Barbados;  and  thro'  many  difh- 
culties,  he  was  enabled  to  pay  his  debts, 
and  to  fave  fufEcient,  with  induftry  and  care, 
to  yield  a  comfortable  fubfiilance  in  old  age, 
and  to  be  helpful  to  fome  others.  In  thofe 
undertakings  he  took  certificates,  and  re- 
turned fucli  as  were  very  fatisfacffory,  both 
of  his  diligence  in  his  outward  bufinefs,  and 
of  his  care  to  edify  the  churclies  vv-ith  the 
gift  of  miniftry  which  had  been  committed 
to  him.  Whilil  in  Barbados  in  the  begin- 
ning of  1746,  a  concern  came  upon  him  to 
viiit  friends  on  Tortola,  which  by  their  large 
and  full  certificate,  appears  to  have  been 
very  feafonable ;  and  was  the  firft  after  our 
worthy  friends  Thomas  Chalkley,  John 
Cadwalladcr  and  John  Eftaugh,  had  laid 
<:iown  their  heads  in  peace  among  them. 
Iliey  fay,   *  He  came  in  a  needful  time,   as 

*  a  cloud 


(       219      ) 

f  a  cloud  full  of  rain  upon  a  thlrfty  land, 
'  greatly  to  our  mutual  comfort  and  joy  in 

*  the  Lord,   and  in  one  another.' 

One  of  his  laft  voyages  by  fea,  was  in 
1750,  and  on  purpofe  to  perform  a  religious 
vilit  to  friends  in  Barbados  and  Tortola, 
having  our  friend  Thomas  Lancafter  for  his 
companion  ;  and  when  they  had  performed 
their  fervice,  the  faid  friend  was,  after  a 
iliarp  iicknefs,  removed  by  death  at  fea. 
Beiides  this,  he  met  with  other  fore  trials 
in  his  pilgrimage  through  life,  particularly 
in  the  long  confinement  of  his  wife,  who 
was  feized  with  the  palfy  five  years  before 
her  death,  and  lay  mod  of  that  time  entirely 
helplefs.  His  behaviour  towards  her,  was 
as  an  afFe(5lionate  hufband,  with  much  ten- 
dernefs  and  care ;  and  indeed  his  frequent 
pradlice  of  vifiting  the  fick  and  afflidled, 
evidenced  a  fympathizing  heart,  and  was 
very  becoming  his  ilation. 

He  was  preferved  in  the  exercife  of  his 
miniftry,  in  much  love  and  gofpel  fimplici- 
ty.  And  his  feufe  of  the  nature  and  fpirit 
in  which  the  difcipline  fhould  be  managed, 
is  thus  exprefs'd  in  an  epiflle  which  he  wrote 
to  friends  on  Tortola,  viz.   '  That  you  may 

*  grow  up  together   a  fpiritual  houfe  that 

*  holinefs  becomes,   and  a  care  according  to 

*  gofpel  order  may  be  kept  to  amongil  you, 

*  and  that  no  harlhnefs  be  ufed  one  towards 

*  anodier,   but  tender  and  helpful,  and  not 

*  apt  to  judge  or  cenfure  one  another,  that 
^  you  may  be  kept  in  that  univerfai  ipint 

^   of 


(      220      )  _^ 

*  of  love,    that  feeks  the  good  of  all  and 

*  hurt  of  none,  and  yet  gives  all  their  due, 

*  and  what  is  right  and  juft.' 

His  diligence  in  attending  religious  meet- 
ings v^as  remarkable,  for  though  he  lived 
three  miles  from  the  particular  meeting  of 
Burlington  to  which  he  belonged,  it  was 
very  uncommon  for  bodily  infirmities,  ot 
any  extremities  of  weather  to  keep  him  at 
home  on  meeting  days  ;  and  the  year  before 
his  deceafe,  he  vifited  feveral  general  meet- 
ings both  in  this  and  the  neighbouring  pro- 
vinces, 

A  life  fo  fpent  in  fervent  endeavours  to 
promote  truth  and  righteoufnefs  among  man- 
kind, was,  we  have  caufe  to  hope,  in  afuita- 
ble  preparation  to  be  clofed  at  a  fliort  warn- 
ing. He  was  feized  with  a  fit  by  his  own 
fire  fide,  which  quickly  deprived  him  of 
tinderftanding,  and  about  three  days  after 
he  breathed  his  lafl,  on  the  2  ijl  of  the  twelfth 
month  1762,  in  the  feventy-ninth  year  of 
his  age,  having  been  a  minifter  about  60 
years.  He  was  interr'd  onthe23^f  in  friends 
burying-ground  at  Burlington,  after  a  folid 
meeting  held  on  the  occafion. 

Having  obferved  ftricl  temperance  and 
moderation,  he  finiflied  his  courfe  in  a  good 
old  age ;  being  an  example  of  prudence  and 
ileadinefs,  which  we  defire  may  be  often 
remembred,  and  ufefully  improved  to  the 
advantage  of  fiich  as  are  left  behind. 

A  Tejlimony 


221 


A  Tejlimony  from  Shrewibury  Monthly' Meeting 
in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Thomas  Til- 
ton.  ^ 

ON  the  ^th  day  of  the  firfl  month  1763, 
died  our  friend  Thomas  Tilton,  in  the 
feventy-ninth  year  of  his  age.  Some  of 
whofe  lalt  expreflions  were  as  follows,  viz. 
'  That  his  pafTage  was  very  long  and 
hard,  and  many  times  prayed  God  to  car- 
ry him  through,  that  his  poor  wife's  trou- 
ble v\ras  greater  for  him  than  ihe  could 
well  endure,  and  that  he  was  not  infenfi- 
ble,  ihe  laboured  for  him  both  in  body 
and  mind.*  Some  time  after  he  faid,  '  It 
was  a  comfort  to  him  to  fee  his  children 
concerned  for  themfelves,'  and  deiired 
them,  *  To  keep  to  their  duties,  for  there 
was  a  falling  away  of  fome,  but  that  they 
might  not  negled  theirs ;  that  they  would 
live  in  love  and  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
which  would  be  to  their  advantage,  but 
to  live  loofe  and  wanton  would  make  hard 
work  on  a  dying  bed ;'  obferving,  *  That 
people  thought  too  little  of  their  latter  end, 
although  they  think  of  it  fometimes,  it 
foon  goes  out  of  their  minds.'  Then  pray- 
ed, *  That  the  Lord  would  carry  him 
through,'  faying,  '  His  paffage  was  very 
hard,  and  his  pain  and  afBi^^lion  great ; 
yet  his  peace  was  fteady,  for  the  Lord  did 
not  charge  him  with  any  thing.* 

A  Tejiimony 


(       222       ) 

A  Teft'mony  from  Rah  way  Monthly- Meeting  ik 
New-jeri'ey^co7icerning  Elizabeth  Hay- 
dock. 

OU  R  friend  Elizabeth  Haydock,  late 
wife  of  James  Haydock,  of  Rahway, 
was  religioufly  inclined  froni  her  youth,  and 
an  early  pattern  of  felf-denial  and  plainnefs 
to  thofe  of  her  age  and  fex.  Being  called 
to  the  work  of  the  miniftry,  it  became  a 
trial  to  her,  and  fuch  a  crofs  to  her  own 
will  to  give  up  to  the  Lord's  work,  that  fhe 
was  ready  to  give  way  to  confultations,  and 
on  account  of  her  own  incapacity  and 
frailties,  to  queflion  its  being  his  call;  fo 
that  (as  fhe  exprelfed)  could  (lie  have  found 
peace,  ilie  would  rather  have  chofen  death 
than  obedience;  but  finding  the  love  of 
God,  as  it  is  abode  in,  to  be  itronger  than 
the  world,  (lie  yielded  thereto  ;  and  confiding 
in  the  Lord  alone,  came  forth  an  inftrumeuL 
of  his  own  preparing ;  and  continuing  to 
walk  in  the  way  of  lelf-denial,  flie  grew  in 
her  gift,  increaling  both  in  underilanding 
and  utterance  to  the  clofe  of  her  days. 
In  her  lalf  illnefs,  fhe  fignified,  *  She  had 

*  near  done  with  time,  and  was  fully  refign- 

*  ed  ;'  and  departed  this  life,  in  the  feventh 
month  1763,  in  the  twenty-ieventh  year  of 
her  age,  and  the  4//?  of  her  miniftry. 

A  Teflimony 


.      (       223       ) 

A  TeJIhnony  from  Exeter  Moritkly-Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Ellis  Hugh. 

THOUGH  few  of  us  were  perfonally  ac- 
quainted with  this  our  dear  ancient 
friend  in  the  early  part  of  his  hfe,  yet  as 
we  have  information  by  good  authorities,  of 
fome  things  remarkable  therein,  we  think 
it  not  amifs  to  tranfmit  fome  hints  of  them, 
with  what  hath  fallen  out  within  the  com- 
pafs  of  our  knowledge  concerning  him. 

He  was  born  in  Merionethfhire,  in  the 
principality  of  Wales,  and  came  over  with 
his  parents  into  Pennfylvania,  when  about 
twelve  years  of  age. 

He  was  naturally  of  a  very  cheerful  dif- 
pofition,  and  for  fome  time  indulged  himfelf 
in  keeping  company  with  fuch,  whofe  con- 
verfation  and  conducfl  were  unprofitable  and 
vain,  for  which,  though  we  do  not  under- 
fland  he  was  guilty  of  immoral  pradlices,  he 
was  clofely  reproved  by  the  v/itnefs  of  God 
in  fecret,  and  his  condition  being  thereby 
plainly  manifefted  to  him,  as  likewife  the 
danger  of  purfuing  fuch  courfes,  he  did  not 
dare  to  go  any  longer  in  vanity ;  but  fub- 
mitting  to  the  reproofs  of  inflruclion,  was 
brought  under  great  exercife  and  godly  for- 
row;  in  which  Hate,  the  converfation  of  his 
former  companions,  once  his  delight,  be- 
came a  burden  and  increafed  his  didrefs ; 
but  avoiding  to  feed  their  light  airy  difpofi- 
tions,  keeping  his  mind  retired,  and  read- 
ing 


(    =H    ) 

ing  the  holy  fcriptures,  when  they  fought  to 
entice  him,  had  fuch  an  effecl,  that  they 
forfook  him,  which  was  a  great  eafe  to  his 
mind,  in  that  it  afforded  him  opportunity  for 
a  further  fearch  after  the  will  of  him,  who 
in  mercy  had  called  him  to  glory  and  virtue. 
As  he  was  thus  engaged,  after  many  deep 
baptifms  and  trials,  it  pleafed  the  Lord, 
about  the  thirty-fourth  year  of  his  age,  to 
call  him  to  the  work  of  the  miniftry ;  which 
was  an  exceeding  humbling  exercife  to  him, 
and  many  fore  conflicfts  he  had  therein, 
through  the  buffetings  of  Satan ;  but  by  en- 
deavouring to  follow  the  Lord  in  the  way  of 
his  requirings,  help  was  adminiftred,  fo 
that  he  at  times,  had  to  experience,  that  he 
gives  *'  The  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and 
**  tlie  garment  of  praife  for  the  fpirit  of 
**  heavinefs." 

His  chief  inducement  to  come  and  fet- 
tle in  thefe  parts,  was  a  ftrong  draught  of 
love  attending  his  mind,  which  however  he 
did  not  haftily  give  way  to,  having  felt 
drawings  hither  near  eight  years  before  he 
came ;  of  fo  great  moment  did  the  removing 
himfelf  and  fimily  appear  to  him. 

He  was  a  diligent  attender  of  firft  and 
week  day  meetings  for  worlhip,  as  alfo'  of 
our  monthly,  quarterly  and  yearly  meet- 
ings, even  when  age  and  infirmity  of  body 
rendered  travelling  very  difficult  to  him„ 
He  likewife  vifited  fome  of  the  neiglibom- 
ing  provinces  on  truth's  fervice,  with  the 
unity  of  friends  j   and  by  accounts  v/hich 

we 


(       225      ) 

we  have  had  from  the  places  he  vifited,  his 
labours  of  love  were  well  received  and  fer- 
viceable. 

From  the  time  of  his  coming  amongft  us, 
he  was  always  one  of  the  number,  who 
went  on  the  vifit  to  friends  families ;  which 
weighty  work  he  undertook  in  much  diffi- 
dence of  himfelf,  and  fear  of  a  forward 
fpirit,  often  faying,  *  That  former  appoint- 

*  mencs  and  engagements  thereto,  were  of 

*  no  account  for  future  fervices ;  but  that 

*  fuch   as   went,    mull   wait   for   renewed 

*  qualifications  to  enter  upon  that  work/ 
which  he  ufed  to  fay,     *  He  thought  muft 

*  be  a  good  one,  fince  it  occafioned  greater 

*  nearnefs,  and  was  a  renewal  of  love,  both 

*  among  vifitors  and  vifited:'  And  by  ac- 
counts received,  it  was  fo  in  a  good  degree. 

In  meetings  for  worfliip  he  was  a  good 
example  in  filent  patient  waiting  upon  the 
Lord,  and  when  raifed  to  bear  a  public 
teftimony,  it  was  with  that  power  and 
authority,  which  accompanies  a  true  gofpel 
minifter,  and  hath  made  lafting  imprefTions 
upon  fome  minds.  Though  he  was  of  an 
exceeding  tender  difpofition,  yet  being  a 
lover  af  good  order  in  the  church,  and  well 
knowing  the  dangerous  tendency  of  undue 
liberty,  he  both  by  precept  and  example, 
endeavoured  to  promote  the  former  and  dif^ 
courage  the  latter;  in  which  he  gave  repeated 
proofs,  that  the  near  connections  of  natural 
kindred  did  not  bias  his  judgment. 

CL  His 


(      226      ) 

His  deportment  being  meek  and  loving;,- 
and  his  converflition  familiar  and  inflruc- 
tively  cheerful,  gained  him  the  efteem  of 
mod  who  knew  him,  of  different  ranks  and 
religious  perfuafions.  He  was  a  nurfing 
father  in  the  church,  and  particularly  fo  to 
divers  whom  the  Lord  had  vifited  that  were 
under  afflid:ion,  whether  of  body  or  mind ; 
nor  was  his  charity  in  this  refpecfl  confined 
to  the  members  of  our  fociety. 

He  was  an  affectionate  hufband,  a  tender 
parent,  a  kind  mafter ;  and  having,  by  the 
bleffmg  of  divine  providence  on  his  honeft 
induftry,  obtained  a  competency  of  the  ne- 
ceffaries  of  life,  was  very  hofpitable,  enter- 
taining both  friends  and  others  freely  and 
kindly,  not  with  oftentation  or  for  applaufe, 
but  for  the  promotion  of  piety  and  virtue, 
and  the  good  of  mankind. 

As  his  natural  Itrength  abated  in  the  laft 
years  of  his  life,  he  appeared  more  bright 
and  lively  in  his  public  miniflry,  both  at 
home  and  abroad ;  and  the  day  he  was  taken 
ill  of  his  laft  ficknefs,  at  the  funeral  of  one 
of  his  fons,  which  was  the  laft  meeting  he 
was  at,  he  was  remarkably  favoured  in  his 
public  teftimony  to  a  large  gathering  of  peo- 
ple; and  in  fupplication  at  the  fame  meet- 
ing, his  great  Lord  and  mafter  was  pleafed 
to  favour  him  with  a  tranfcendent  view  in- 
to the  beauty  of  holinefs,  crowning  a  life,  a 
great  part  of  which  had  been,  according 
to  the  meafure  received,  devoted  to  his  ho- 
nour, with  evident  tokens  of  his  being  near 

to 


(       227       ) 

\o  the  kingdom  of  reft  and  peace  everlafting. 
And  the  fame  evening  he  was  taken  ill  at 
his  own  houfe  in  Exeter  aforefaid,  and  con- 
tinued for  about  eleven  days,  moftly  in  ex- 
treme pain,  yet  bore  it  with  patience  and 
refignation  to  the. divine  will ;  and  though 
he  inclined  much  to  be  ftill  and  quiet,  utter- 
ed many  comfortable  exprefTions,  fome  of 
which  were  taken  down  in  writing.  At  one 
time  he  faid,     '  It  is  a  fine  thing  to  have  a 

*  clear  confcience/       And    one   morning, 

*  Here  is  another  day,  Lord  fo  preferve  me 

*  through  it,  that  I  may  do  nothing  to  of- 

*  fend  thee.'  In  the  evening  he  faid,  '  Lord 
'  blefs  this  night  to  me.'  And  taking  fome- 
thing  to  give  him  eafe,  he  faid.  '  He  that 

*  turned  water  into  wine  is  able  to  give  a 

*  bleffing.'  After  laying  ftill  fome  time,  faid, 

*  Sorrow  at  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the 

*  morning.'     And  in  the  morning  he  faid, 

*  I  remember  a  dream  I  had  about  fifty 

*  years  ago,  I  tliought  I  was  in  a  room  alone, 

*  juft  going  to  die,  and  as  I  was  much  con- 

*  cerned  and  troubled  becaufe  there  was  no 

*  one  prefent  to  fee  me  die,  I  thought  the 

*  great  phyfician  of  value  ftood  by  me  and 

*  faid,  I  ivill  be  with  thee ;  and  I  have  a  lit- 

*  tie  faith,  that  he  will  be  with  me,  and  if 

*  I  am  favoured  with  my  fenfes,  hope  I  fhall 

*  not  give  over  wreftling  for  a  blefling.'  A 
little  before  noon  he  faid,    '  Lord,  this  is 

*  the  way  of  mortal  men,  when  they  come 

*  to  lie  on  a  fick  bed,  they  crave  thy  favour, 

*  though  at  other  times  many  are  forgetful 

0^2  of 


(  ^  li8    ) 

'  of  thee.'  At  another  time  he  faid,  *Thoiigb 

*  affli(5lion  may  not  feem  pleafknt  during 

*  its  continuance,  yet  it  worketh  an  exceed- 

*  ing  great  joy  to  them  that  love  and  fear 

*  God.*  And  in  the  evening,  being  in  great 
bodily  pain,    faid,    *  Lord  give  me  eafe  if 

*  it  be  thy  blefled  will,'  The  next  day  be- 
ing the  firfl  day  of  the  week,  feveral  friends 
came  to  fee  him  before  meeting,  to  whom 
he  faid,  '  Fear  God  and  ferve  him,  and  his 

*  regard  will  be  unto  you,  but  if  you  negledl 
'  to  worfhip  him,  he  will  caft  you  off  for- 
'  ever,*  or  words  nearly  to  that  import.  And 
being  fearful  they  would  over  flay  the  time 
for  meeting,  inquired  what  hour,  faying  to 
them,    *  Don't  negled:  the  bufinefs  of  the 

*  Lord:'  And  when  they  were  going,  de- 
fircd,    *  They  would  remember  him  when 

*  it  was  well  with  them.'  In  the  evening 
inquiring  what  fort  of  a  meeting  they  had 
that  day,  and  being  anfwered,  a  good  meet- 
ing; he  faid  with  feeming  joy,    *  The  Lord 

*  is  not  limited  to  perfons,  but  all  that  wor- 

*  fhip  him  aright  fhall  be  accepted  of  him/ 
or  words  to  that  effe(5t.  A  little  after  mid- 
night, being  in  great  bodily  pain,  and  from 
the  fymptoms,  it  was  thought  for  about  an 
hour  he  was  departing,  during  which  he 
appeared  to  have  his  mind  retired  to  the 
Lord,  and  then  reviving  a  little  faid,  *  This 

*  has  been  a  bleffed  meeting.'  The  next 
morning  taking  leave  of  a  neighbour,  he 
faid,   *  Farewell,  and  if  we  never  meet  again 

*  in  this  world,  I  hope  we  fliall  meet  in  a 

'  more 


{     ^^9     ) 

'  more  gloridus  place  among  the  righteous.* 
The  day  before  his  departure  his  fpeech  fail- 
ed much,  tho'  he  remained  very  feniible ;  and 
the  laft  words  he  was  heard  to  fay,  were, 
*  Lord  in  heaven  receive  my  foul.'  Then 
growing  weaker  until  the  third  hour  next 
morning,  being  the  nth  of  the  firfl  month 
1764,  he  departed  this  life,  in  a  quiet  frame 
of  mind,  aged  feventy-hx  years  and  fbme 
months.  His  corps  was  interr'd  in  friends 
burying-ground  at  Exeter  aforefaid,  accom- 
panied by  a  large  number  of  his  friends  and 
neighbours. 


A  Tefiimony  from  Bradford  Monthly -Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Ma  r  y  Pe n n  el. 

SH  E  was  born  in  Radnorlhire,  in  Wales? 
and  educated  by  her  parents  in  the  pro- 
feifion  of  the  church  of  England.  About 
the  thirteenth  year  of  her  age,  going  with 
her  elder  filler  to  a  meeting  of  friends,  who 
were  fitting  in  av/ful  fdence,  with  tears  drop- 
ping down  the  cheeks  of  divers,  it  made 
fuch  religious  imprellion  on  her  tender 
mind,  that  (he  thiereby  became  in  fome  de- 
gree, convinced  of  the  truth.  About  the 
Sixteenth  year  of  her  age,  flie  arrived  in 
Pennfylvania,  where  living  in  a  friend's 
family,  and  experiencing  the  renewed  viiits 
of  truth,  file  became  willing  to  come  more 
^lofely  under  the  difcipline  of  the  crofs,  and 

joined 


(  230  ) 
joined  with  friends  ;  was  married  to  John 
Fennel,  and  relided  within  the  compafs  of 
Concord  meeting  many  years.  Being  di- 
vers years  under  a  weighty  exercife  to  appear 
in  public  miniftry,  about  the  year  1722, 
Ihe  gave  up  thereto,  and  increaiing  in  her 
gift,  had  in  time,  a  refrefhing  edifying  tef- 
timony  ;  being  well  approved  by  her  friends 
at  home,  and  frequently  led  into  the  ftates 
of  meetings  where  her  lot  was  cad ;  in  the 
exercife  of  the  miniftry  flie  travelled  into 
the  eaftern  provinces,  alfo  into  Great-Bri- 
tain and  Ireland,  where  in  divers  places,  flie 
had  acceptable  fervice,  to  the  ftrengtheninp; 
fome  tender  minds  in  the  way  and  work  of 
truth.  Afterwards  removing  with  her  huf- 
band  to  Eaft  Cain,  they  refided  there  the  re-- 
mainder  of  their  time ;  and  feveral  years 
before  her  deceafe,  her  underftanding  by 
reafon  of  age,  became  weak,  yet  flie  was 
preferv'd  in  much  innocency,  having  a  love 
and  regard  to  friends,  and  was  always  pleaf- 
ed  with  their  viiits. 

She  died  the  loth  day  of  the  fifth  m.onth 
1764,  and  was  interr'd  in  friends  burying- 
ground  at  Eaft  Cain  aforefaid,  aged  eighty- 
fix  years. 

An  additionalTeJlimGny  concenwig'M.A R  y  Pe n» 
NEL,  by  a  friend  from  Great-Britain. 

HAVING  read  the  preceeding  memorial, 
concerning  our  worthy  decea fed  friend 
Mary  fennel,  it  is  in  my  heart  to  make  a 

fmall 


(      231      ) 

imall  addition  thereto.  In  the  courfe  of  her 
travels  in  England,  flie  vifited  friends  at 
Ipfwich  in  Suffolk,  and  had  good  and  ac- 
ceptable fervice  there,  among  a  number  of 
young  perfons  who  were  newly  convinced 
of  the  truth.  Her  converfation  was  folid 
and  inftru(flive,  accompanied  with  fweetnefs 
of  fpirit,  and  having  obtained  to  a  confi- 
derable  growth  in  experimental  religion,  fhe 
fpoke  in  a  feeling  effe<5lual  manner  to  our 
nward  dates.  At  a  certain  time  giving  fome 
account  of  her  own  convincement,  flie  faid. 
In  her  very  young  days,  llie  was  a  watch- 
ful obferver  of  the  conducfl  of  friends  at 
markets  and  public  places,  that  flie  might 
fee  whether  in  their  dealings  they  kept  to 
the  principle  of  truth,  of  which  flie  was 
convinced ;  and  feeing  their  words  were 
few  and  favoury,  their  countenances  and 
behaviour  weighty,  and  that  they  were 
juft  and  upright  in  their  commerce  a- 
mongit  men,  it  had  a  great  tendency  to 
confirm  and  eftablifli  her  mind  in  the  truth- 
file  had  embraced.' 


A  Tejlimony  from  the  Mont  hi)' Meeting  c/Phila- 
delphia,  coJtcerningViA  chelPemberton. 

SH  E  was  born  at  Burlington,  in  Weft- 
New- Jerfey,  in  the  year  1691,  being 
the  daughter  of  Charles  Read,  who  was  one 
of  the  early  fettlers  of  Pennfylvania  under 


(      232      ) 

the  grant  to  William  Penn.  It  pleafed  the 
Lord  to  extend  his  gracious  vifitation  to  her 
in  her  tender  age,  which  as  ihe  fubmitted  to 
and  abode  under,  flie  happily  experienced 
to  lead  her  into  a  life  of  righteoulnefs  and 
great  circumfpecflion.  About  the  eighteenth 
year  of  her  age,  flie  was  married  to  our 
worthy  friend  Ifrael  Pemberton,  who  united 
with  her  in  a  pious  concern  for  the  profperi- 
ty  and  prevalence  of  the  caufe  of  truth,  her 
fincere  love  to  which  and  the  friends  there- 
of, file  uniformly  manifefted  by  her  kind 
fympathetic  care  as  a  '*  Mother  in  Ifrael.'* 
She  ufefully  filled  the  ftation  of  an  overfeer 
and  elder,  being  carefully  concerned  to  rule 
her  own  family  well,  and  that  her  offspring 
might  have  a  portion  in  that  treafure  which 
faileth  not.  She  was  a  true  fympathizerwith 
thofe  under  afHi(5lion  of  body  or  mind,  de- 
jnonftrating  her  fenfibility  herein,  by  her 
frequent  vilits  to  fuch,  which  were  weighty 
and  comforting,  her  converfation  being  fo- 
lid  and  inftru^live. 

In  the  firll  month  1754,  it  pleafed  divine 
providence  to  deprive  her  of  her  beloved 
hufband,  in  whom  was  removed,  a  father,  a 
friend,  and  counfellor  to  her  and  the  church ; 
which  clofe  trial  (after  40  years  living  toge- 
ther in  much  harmony)  fhe  was  enabled  to 
bear  with  chriftian  calmnefs  and  refignati- 
cn ;  having  often  to  experience  the  reality 
of  that  truth  left  upon  record,  "  A  father 
**  to  the  fatherlefs,  and  a  judge  for  the  wi- 
**'  dow,  is  God  in  his  holy  habitation." 

She 


(     233     ) 

She  continued  her  houfe  open  for  the  re- 
ception of  friends  near  and  from  remote 
parts,  as  it  had  been  in  her  hufband's  time, 
particularly  for  the  entertainment  of  thofe 
who  came  from  Europe  on  religious  vifits  to 
America,  with  whom  flie  was  often  dipt  in- 
to much  feeling  fympathy  under  their  weigh- 
ty travel  and  exercife. 

Few  have  been  more  zealoufly  concerned, 
and  diligent  in  the  attendance  of  religio-us 
meetings,  feldom  allowing  the  inclemency 
of  weather  to  prevent  her;  and  continu- 
ed to  manifeft  the  like  concern  when  very 
feeble;  which  diligence,  was,  in  the  time 
of  her  confinement  and  languilhing  ftate,  a 
fatisfaiflory  refle(5lion  to  her,  as  her  attend- 
ance had  been  from  a  real  fenfe  and  perfua- 
iion  of  duty. 

On  the  zzd  day  of  the  tenth  month  1764, 
flie  attended  the  fecond  day's  meeting  of 
minifters  and  elders,  which  was  the  lail 
meeting  flie  was  at,  her  feeble  flate  requir- 
ing her  confinement  to  her  chamber  the 
25//?,  and  gradually  weakened ;  yet  love  to 
the  caufe  of  truth  continued,  and  her  con- 
cern was  great,  that  the  profefTors  thereof 
might  live  under  its  preferving  influence. 

She  uttered  many  lively  expreflions  at 
different  times  in  the  courfe  of  her  iilnefs, 
in  acknowledgement  of  the  goodnefs  and 
mercy  of  the  Lord,  *  In  prelerving  her  in 
*  patience  under  great  bodily  pain,  and 
?  yath  an  evidence  of  her  future  well-being. 

She 


(    ^34    ) 
She  departed  this  life,  bn  the  i^th  day  of 
the  fecond  month  1765,  and  was  interr'd  in 
our  burial  ground  in  this  city,  on  the  2^th 
of  the  fame  month. 


A  Tejlhnony  from  Gwynedd  Monthly- Meeting 
/«Pennfylvania,  co«(7^r«/«§- Ellen  Evans, 
an  elder  oj  /aid  meeting. 

SH  E  was  the  daughter  ©f  Rowland  and 
Margaret  Ellis,  born  near  Dollegelle,  in 
the  principality  of  Wales,  in  the  year  1685. 
She  was  favoured  with  a  good  underftand- 
ing,  which  being  improved  by  a  religious 
education  and  ftricfl  attention  to  the  ditflates 
of  divine  grace,  foon  diftinguifhed  her  as 
one  feeking  after  heavenly  treafure,  which 
made  her  in  riper  years,  an  honourable 
member  of  fociety. 

She  married  our  worthy  and  much  eftQcm- 
ed  friend  John  Evans,  of  this  place,  to  whom 
ihe  was  truly  a  help-meet,  more  efpeciaUy 
in  public  religious  fervices;  for  whenever 
flie  difcovered  the  lead  inclination  in  him^ 
to  vifit  the  meetings  of  friends  whether  far 
or  near,  flie  did  all  in  her  power  to  cherifli 
and  encourage  the  motion ;  ihe  was  alfo  a 
great  fupport  and  comfort  to  him  under 
his  fpiritual  conflids  about  the  time  of  his. 
appearing  firfl  in  a  public  teflimony. 

ill  her  family,  flie  was  an  example  of  piety^ 
and  induftry,  riling  early  in  the  mornings 

^n4 


(     235     ) 

and  enppuraging  others  fo  to  do,  often  obferv- 
ingthat  thofe  who  lay  late,  loft  the  youthful 
beauty  of  the  day,  and  wafted  the  moft 
precious  part  of  their  time ;  that  the  fun 
was  the  candle  of  the  world,  which  called 
upon  us  to  arife  and  apply  to  our  feveral 
duties.  When  the  affairs  of  the  morning 
were  tranfaded  it  was  almoft  her  invaria- 
ble practice,  except  on  meeting  days,  to 
retire  about  noon,  with  the  bible  or  fome 
religious  book;  where  a  portion  of  her  time 
was  fpent  alone;  from  which  retirement 
flie  often  returned  with  evident  tokens,  that 
her  eyes  had  been  bathed  in  tears. 

She  was  remarkably  well  acquainted  with 
the  holy  fcriptures,  as  alfo  the  writings  and 
characters  of  our  ancient  worthy  friends, 
together  with  thofe  of  her  own  time;  fre- 
quently exprelling,  '  The  many  advantages 
Ihe  reaped  from  often  converiing  with  the 
dead  and  abfent ;  endeavouring  to  cultivate 
the  fame  difpofition  in  her  family,  by  often 
calling  them  together  in  the  winter  even- 
ings, and  requiring  one  of  her  children  to 
read  audibly  in  the  bible  or  fome  other  reli- 
gious book  ;'  repeatedly  obferving  to  them, 
The  benefit  which  attended  preferving  the 
chara(51:ers  of  thofe  faithful  minifters  and 
elders  in  the  church,  whofe  pious  lives  and 
happy  diflolution,  if  held  up  to  the  view 
of  pofterity,  might  be  a  likely  means  of 
kindling  the  fame  holy  zeal,  and  refoluti- 
on  to  tread  in  their  footfteps.'  And  as 
miniftring  friends  (whom  Ihe  truly  loved 

from 


(     =36    ) 

from  her  infancy  as  brethren  and  fifters 
in  gofpel  fellowflijp)  in  the  courfe  of  their 
vifits  came  this  way,  generally  lodged  at 
their  houfe,  at  which  times  llie  feldom  miff- 
ed to  prepare  her  family,  and  inform  the 
neighbourhood  of  an  intention  to  fit  a  while 
together  in  the  evening  j  which  fele(?t  oppor- 
tunities, many  can  yet  remember,  were  of- 
ten fingularly  bleffed  with  divine  comfort 
and  edification. 

Her  diligence  in  attending  meetings  for 
religious  worlhip,  was  no  lefs  manifeft  than 
her  fteady  zeal  for  fupporting  our  chriftian 
difcipiine,  and  that  we  might  adorn  the 
dodrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things  : 
Yet  was  her  zeal  mixed  with  charity,  for 
having  long  experienced  how  fev/  were 
qualified  to  lay  juftice  precifely  to  the  fine 
and  righteoufnefs  to  the  plumbline,  {lie 
thought  it  fafeft  rather  to  incline  to  the  mer- 
ciful fide ;  firmly  believing  that  the  grace  of 
God  which  bringeth  falvation,  had  appeared 
unto  all  men  ;  delighting  to  converfe  with 
our  uninfiruded  Indians  about  their  fenti- 
ments  of  the  fupreme  being ;  and  often  faid, 

*  She   difcovered    evident  traces   of  diAane 

*  goodnefs  in  their  uncultivated  minds.' 

In  her  friendfiiips  fhe  was  warm  and  Hea- 
dy, and  on  her  death  bed  earneftly  preffed 
her  children,    *  Not  to  forget  the  friends  of 

*  their  father  and  mother;'  and  the  fenfibi- 
lity  of  her  heart,  made  her  very  attentive  ta 
the  wants  of  the  poor  in  her  neighbour- 
hood. 

Som.e; 


(     -37     ) 

Some  years  before  her  deceafe  fhe  loft  in 

the  hufband  of  her  youth,  a  bofom  friend, 

and  the  great  fupport  of  her   age,  which 

proved  fo    great  a  trial,  llie  faid,   '  That  if 

*  God  v/hom  {he  loved  all  her  life  long,  had 

*  not  enabled  her  to   fullain  it,  {he  mud 

*  have  funk  under  it.'  This  diipenfation 
of  providence  weaned  her  from  all  tempo*- 
ral  enjoyments.  She  continued  attending 
meetings,  and  frequently  vifiting  the  fick 
and  afflidled  while  her  ftrength  permitted, 
and  when  that  failed,  much  of  her  time  was 
fpent  in  reading  the  holy  fcriptures  and  in 
meditation. 

The  early  fliate  of  religion  in  this  pro- 
vince was  a  grateful  fubjecft  of  converfati- 
on  to  her  in  the  evening  of  her  day,  but 
upon  turning  her  eye  to  the  prefent  time, 
Ihe  would  fay  with  a  deep  hgh,   *  Oh!  what 

*  is  become  of  the  morning  dew  and  celefti- 

*  al  rain,  that  ufed  to  fall  and  reft  upon  our 

*  afTemblies.'  For  herfelf,  ihe  often  prayed, 
'  That  fhe  might  poffefs  a  lively  relifh  of 

*  truth  to  the  laft,  and  retain  the  greennefs 

*  of  youth  in  old  age,  which  God  was  gra- 

*  ciouily  pleafed  to  favour  her  with. 

Her  laft  illneis  began  about  a  year  before 
her  deceafe,  in  the  forepart  thereof  fhe  felt 
a  lownefs  and  deprefTion  of  mind,  thatcauf- 
ed  her  to  cry,    *  Tell  me,  Oh !  thou  whom 

*  my  foul  loveth,  where  thou  feedeft,  where 
'  thou  makeft  thy  flocks  to  reft   at  noon/ 
But  after  fome  time,  this  cloud  was  remov- 
ed. 


(   n^   ) 

ed,  and  llie  was  enabled  to  fay,  *  He  broitghe 

*  me  to  the  banqueting  houfcj  and  his  ban* 

*  ner  over  me  was  love/ 

And  thus,  by  remembring  her  creator  in 
the  days  of  her  youth,  and  a  fteady  perfe- 
verance  therein,  flie  w^as  enabled  to  meet 
the  king  of  terrors  with  a  ferene  counte* 
nance,  and  refigned  her  breath  without  a 
ligh  or  groan,  the  2(^th  day  of  the  fourth 
month,  and  was  buried  at  Gwynedd,  the 
zd  of  the  fifth  month  1765 ;  being,  we  truft, 
admitted  to  the  general  affembly  and  church 
of  the  firft  born,  which  are  written  in 
heaven. 


A  Teftimony  from  Kingwood  Monthly- Meeting 
in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Samuel 
Large. 

U  R  ancient  friend  Samuel  Large,  de- 
parted this  life,  the  gth  of  the  fixth 
month  1765,  and  was  buried  the  1  ithofiaid 
month,  in  friends  burying-ground  at  King- 
wood,  aged  about  ieventy-feven  years,  hav- 
ing been  a  minifter  upwards  of  40  years. 
He  was  religiouily  inclined  when  young, 
infomuch  (as  he  related)  that  at  times 
he  thought  he  could  freely  declare  to 
others  of  the  goodnefs  and  merciful  deal- 
ings of  God  to  his  foul ;  but  for  want  of 
giving  diligent  heed  to  the  infliinings  of 
that   divine    light   which    had   meafurably 

redeemed 


(  239  ) 
S^edeemed  him,  he  fuffered  a  lofs  of  that 
fweet  and  heavenly  communion  which  he 
had  been  made  a  fliarer  of,  and  began  to 
join  with  folly  and  vanity,  which  youth 
are  apt  to  do;  but  in  procefs  of  time,  being 
revifited  by  an  all-merciful  God,  he  gave 
up  to  bear  the  crofs;  and  about  the  thirtieth 
year  of  his  age,  was  made  willing  to  bear 
a  public  teftimony,  and  declare  to  others 
what  God  had  done  for  him ;  which  tefti- 
mony  was  living  and  powerful,  and  tended 
to  the  rerrefliing  and  watering  the.  Lord's 
heritage  and  people ;  being  often  concern'd 
where  his  lot  was  caft,  to  invite  and  per- 
fuade  people  to  feek  the  Lord  for  them- 
felves,  that  they  might  know  the  work  of 
regeneration  wrought  and  compleated  in 
and  for  themfelves.  He  freely  gave  up  to 
fpend  both  time  and  fubftance  on  truth's 
account  when  called  thereto,  having  vifited 
feveral  provinces  on  this  continent,  and 
fome  of  them  divers  times.  He  was  a  ge- 
nerous kind  friend,  ready  to  do  good  to  all, 
efpecially  the  houfehold  of  faith,  very  ready 
in  ailifling  tlie  fervants  and  mefTengers  of 
Chrift  when  travelling  on  that  account ; 
bringing  up  his  children  in  the  principles 
of  the  chriftian  religion,  and  in  pkinnefs 
of  fpeech  and  apparel,  a  great  encourager 
of  his  family  and  others  in  attending  meet- 
ings, that  they  might  difcharge  their  du- 
ties which  they  owed  to  their  maker.  In 
the  latter  part  of  his  days,  when  old  and 
infirm,  he  met  with  exercifes  and  difficul- 
ties, 


(      240      ) 

ties,  yet  we  have  good  reafon  to  believe,  he 
was  carried  through  them  all,  and  died  in 
peace  with  the  Lord  and  goodwill  to  all 
mankind,  and  is  enter'd  into  reft,  and  reaps 
the  reward  of  the  faithful,  where  trouble  and 
exercife  are  at  an  end.  He  had  a  fight  of 
his  approaching  exit,  and  gave  orders  that 
his  burial  lliould  be  plain.  Some  of  the 
laft  words  he  utter'd,  were  to  his  wife,  a 
few  hours  before  he  expired,  when  he  faid, 

*  All  is  done  that  is  needful,    now  I  muft 

*  leave  thee.' 


A  Tejl'imony  from  New-Garden  Monthly -Meet-- 
ing  in  P-ennfylvania,  concerning  William 

MoTT. 

OU  R  worthy  friend  William  Mott,  of 
Mamaroneck  in  New- York  govern- 
ment, being  on  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in 
this  province;  after  attending  our  yearly- 
meeting  at  Philadelphia,  intended  proceeding 
to  Nottingham,  and  on  his  way  thither,  was 
at  our  monthly-meeting  in  the  tenth  month 
1765;  where,  after  a  time  of  filence,  he  ap- 
peared in  a  ihort  yet  fatisfadtory  teftimony ; 
but  being  much  indifpofed,  left  the  meet- 
ing in  a  few  minutes  afterwards,  and  went 
to  a  friend's  houfe,  where  his  diforder, 
which  proved  to  be  the  fmall  pox,  increafed 
and  ky  heavy  upon  him.  Two  days  after- 
wards, feme  friends  going  to  vifit  him,  he 

mention'd 


(      241       ) 

mentioned  his  defire  of  having  a  time  o£ 
retirement  together,  in  which  opportunity 
he  exprefs'd  in  a  Hvely  and  lenhble  manner, 
his  reiignation  to  the  will  of  God  refpecfling 
his  indifpoiition,  and  fpoke  of  the  great  ad- 
vantage it  would  be  to  the  members  of  our 
fociety,  if  they  were  more  drawn  from  the 
fpirit  and  friendfhip  of  the  world,  and  the 
eager  purfuit  after  the  riches  and  grandeur 
thereof;  faying,  that  the  profeflbrs  of  truth 
fuffered  great  lofs  in  a  fpiritual  fenfe,  for 
want  of  being  often  deeply  inward,  when 
about  their  lawful  callings,  labouring  to 
have  their  minds  retired,  where  true  com- 
fort and  inftrudlion  is  to  be  witneiTed ;  and 
that  friends  who  are  heads  of  families, 
ought  to  wait  for  the  movings  of  truth,  to 
make  way  for  them  to  call  their  children 
and  fervants  together;  and  if  this  was  but 
the  engagement  of  their  minds,  way  would 
be  made  for  fuch  opportunities  beyond  their 
expecftation.  On  which  and  fome  other  fub- 
je(5ls,  he,  at  that  time,  fpoke  in  a  fenfible 
humble  manner. 

At  other  times  he  frequently  mention'd 
his  uneafinefs  in  beholding,  that  many  of 
the  profeflbrs  of  truth  did  not  keep  within 
the  bounds  of  true  moderation  refpe6ling 
cloathing  and  furniture,  but  rather  pleafed- 
the  natural  difpofition,  to  no  real  advantage, 
and  confumed  much  precious  time  that 
might  be  profitably  fpenc  in  doing  good 
among  mankind;  faying,  that  if  triends 
lived  near  enough  to  the  inward  teacher 
R  that} 


(       242      ) 

that  difcovers  things  to  be  as  they  really 
are;  there  are  many  things  amongfl  us 
termed  fmall  or  trifling,  which  would  ap- 
pear inconhftent  with  the  pure  truth. 

Notwithilanding  his  affli(5\ion  was  great, 
yet  he  bore  it  with  remarkable  patience,  ap- 
pearing more  concern'd  for  the  glory  of 
God  and  the  good  of  his  church  and  people, 
than  any  temporal  conliderations  :  And  fre- 
quently exprefs'd  his  refignation  to  the  di- 
vine will,  being  freely  given  up  either  for 
life  or  death.  The  retired  frame  of  mind 
he  generally  appeared  in,  was  inilrudlive ; 
often  faying  he  felt  eafy  in  mind,  having 
\vitnefled  a  comfortable  refrefliing  feafon, 
and  exprefs'd  his  thankfulnefs  for  iiich  pe- 
culiar favour  in  fo  trying  a  dil'penfation : 
Yet  he  had  no  other  profpecl  but  that  he 
fhould  recover,  until  a  few  hours  before  his 
deceafe,  when  he  {ignified,  '  He  had  almoft 
'  done  with  time.'  And  changing  faft,  he 
quietly  departed,  the  i^th  of  the  tenth 
month  1765,  in  a  fenlible  compofed  frame 
of  fpirit.  On  the  I'jth  his  corpfe,  accom- 
panied by  many  friends,  was  interr'd  in 
friends  burying-ground  in  New-Garden, 
aiter  a  folid  meeting. 


A  Tejlnnony 


(     243     ) 

A  Tejlhnony  fro77t  the  ^larterfy- Meeting  of  Vhi'-^ 
ladelphia,  concerning  our  efteemed  friend 
Margaret  Ellis,  late  of  Radnor  meet- 
i7ig,  deceafed. 

H  E  was  born  in  the  principality  of 
Wales,  of  parents  profefling  epifcopacy, 
and  religious  in  that  way.  By  a  lliort  me- 
morial {he  hath  left,  of  fome  occurrences 
in  her  life,  we  find,  flie  was  early  vifited  by 
the  almighty,  which  Ihe  exprefles  in  this 
manner.     *  At  fourteen  years  of  age,    the 

*  call  of  the  Lord  was  to  me,  when  feeing 

*  fome  of  my  companions  carried  to  the 
'  grave,    a   concern   came  over  my   mind, 

*  with  a  confideration,   whither  their  fouls 

*  were  gone,  and  where  mine  would  be,  if 

*  I  fhould  then  be  taken   away ;     and   that 

*  followed  and  remained  with  me  for  many 

*  days:'  But  being  young  and  not  vviliing 
to  bear  the  crofs,  the  witnefs  for  God  was 
fo  far  fupprelTed,  that  flie  gave  way  to  fol- 
low the  vanities  and  diverfions  of  the  world; 
yet  the  Lord  did  not  forget  her ;  but  fome 
years  after,  the  vilitation  was  renewed, 
and  then,   ihe  fays,     *  I  returned  in  earneft 

*  to  look  within,  to  my  own  {i?XQ  and  con- 

*  dition,  and  to   the   anointing  mentioned 

*  by  the  apoftle  John,  which  opened  clearly 
'  in  my  mind.'  This  brought  her  to  a  clofe 
exercile»  and  often  in  fee  ret  prayer,  that 
the  Lord  would  be  pleaied  to  manifeft  her 
duty.     Soon  after  this,  flie   went  to  vifit  a 

R  2  brother 


(  244  ) 
brother  at  Dolobran,  who  had  a  fhort  time 
before  joined  in  communion  with  friends ; 
and  being  at  a  meeting,  jQie  was  further 
reached  unto,  and  the  thoughts  of  her  heart 
declared  by  a  worthy  minifter  then  preibnt. 
Her  father  took  pains  to  difTuade  her  from 
joining  friends,  and  got  feveral  priefts  to 
aflift  him  with  their  endeavours,  but  being 
enlightened  to  fee  the  formality  and  dead- 
nefs  of  the  profeiTion  of  religion  in  which 
fhe  had  been  educated,  and  the  blindnefs 
and  emptinefs  of  their  priefts,  flie  aquaint- 
ed  her  father,  '  She  would  never  come  more 
'  to  their  church,  unlefs  it  was  to  his  and  her 
*  mother's  burial.' 

In  a  few  years  after  this,  fhe  found  a  con- 
cern to  appear  in  public  teftimony  in  friends 
meetings,  and  foon  afterwards  removed  to 
this  province ;  in  which  fhe  apprehended  a 
divine  dired:ion,  believing  the  Lord  would 
go  along  with  her,  which  flie  experienced 
to  her  comfort,  and  was  cordially  received 
by  friends ;  increafing  in  the  gift  beftowed 
on  her. 

She  pafTed  through  various  baptifms  and 
trials  in  her  young  years  in  her  native  land, 
and  many  conflicfis  andexercifes  afterwards, 
yet  experienced  the  arm  of  the  Lord  revealed 
for  her  help  and  fupport. 

She  was  a  lincerehearted  woman,  diligent 
in  the  exercife  of  her  gift,  which  was  in 
much  plainnefs  and  limplicity.  She  viiited 
the  meetings  frequently  in  Ibme  parts  of 
this  province  and  New-Jerfey  j  and  in  the 

year 


(     245     ) 

year  1752,  with  the  concurrence  of  friends, 
embarked  in  order  to  vifit  friends  in  fome 
parts  of  Great- Britain,  which  ilie  perform- 
ed, and  was  in  feveral  places  engaged  to  vi- 
fit many  of  the  famihes  of  friends  ;  which  as 
we  have  underflood,  were  acceptable  and  fer- 
viceable.  She  was  favoured  to  return,  and 
continued  lively  in  the  exercife  of  her  gift. 

Being  taken  ill  in  Philadelphia,  in  the 
eleventh  month  1765,  immediately  after  our 
quarterly- meeting  which  fhe  attended,  after 
a  few  days  illnei's,  flie  departed  this  life. 
She  had  divers  times,  to  her  particular 
friends,  exprelTed  her  defire,  if  it  was  the 
Lord's  will,  to  finiHi  her  days  in  this  city; 
and  in  her  licknefs  exprelTed  her  willingnefs 
to  depart,  but  requefted  Ihe  might  be  fa- 
voured with  fome  interval  of  eaie  from  ex- 
treme pain,  that  flie  might  take  her  leave 
of  her  friends,  which  was  granted  her.  She 
uttered  many  lively  and  favoury  exprelfions 
in  her  ficknefs,  was  favoured  with  an  evi- 
dence of  her  future  well-being,  and  as  flie 
lived  in  the  fear  of  God,  we  doubt  not  fhe 
was  accepted  of  him,  and  enjoys  the  reward 
of  her  faithfulnefs. 

She  died  the  i^th  of  the  eleventh  month 
1765,  in  a  good  old  age;  her  body  was  car- 
ried to  our  meeting-houfe  in  High- Street, 
and  after  a  folid  meeting,  buried  the  i^th 
in  friends  grave-yard. 

A  Tejlimon^ 


(    246    ) 

A  Teflimony  from  Nottingham  Monthly- Meet- 
ing 111  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Dinah 
J  A  M  E  s. 

SH  E  was  born  the  ']th  of  the  lixth  month 
1699,  near  Chefter,   in  the  county   of 
Chefter    in   Pennfylvania.      When  fhe  was 
about  five  years  old,  her  parents  John  and 
Hannah  Churchman,  removed  and  fettled  at 
Nottingham,   in  the  county  aforefaid ;  and 
ilie  being  religioufly  educated  by  them,  foon 
became  inwardly  fenfible  of  the  bleifed  truth ; 
and  taking  heed  to  its  teaching,  was  early  a- 
dorned  thereby  with  a  meek  and  quiet  fpirit ; 
was  a  great  lover  of  meetings  for  the  wor- 
Ihip  of  God,  and  a  humble  exemplary  wait- 
er therein.    About  the  thirty-fourth  year  of 
her  age  ihe  appeared  in  the  miniftry,    and 
being  faithful  in  her   gift,    though  ihe  did 
not  increafe  in  many  words,  and  butfeldom 
appeared  therein,  being  rather  a  pattern  of 
awful  filence,  yet  her  teftimony   when   fhe 
did  appear,  was   remarkably  feafoned  with 
the  baptifmg    power  of  the   fpirit,    which 
made  it   truly   acceptable  to  friends.     She 
was  often  heard  to  exprefs  her  apprehenfion 
of  the  danger   of  words  increafing  in   the 
church,  without  fnfficient  weight  and  aw- 
fulnefs  ;    and   at  different  times,  efpecially 
in  the  latter  years  of  her  life,  both  in  pub- 
lic teflimony  and  in  private,    flie  fpoke  of  a 
winnowing  time  at  hand,  wherein  flie  ap- 
prehended the  chaff  was  to  be  blown  away, 

and 


(    H7    ) 

and  the  church  reftored  to  as  great,  if  not 
a  greater  degree  of  purity  than  heretofore ; 
which  is  now  frefli  in  the  memory  of  divers 
perfons. 

She  was  an  example  of  plainnefs  herfelf, 
and  careful  prudently  to  fupprefs  the  con- 
trary in  her  children,  as  long  as  they  re- 
mained under  her  immediate  care,  meekly 
difTuading  in  a  moving  manner,  againfl  any 
appearance  of  corruption  in  converfation, 
as  well  as  tlie  world's  vain  fafhions  and  fu* 
perfiuity  in  drefs  ;  firmly  maintaining  pa* 
rental  authority  in  this  lleady  refolution 
which  Ihe  never  departed  from,  viz.  that 
while  her  children  were  clothed  at  her  ex- 
pence,  they  fliouldfubmit  to  have  their  clothes 
failiioned  agreeable  to  her  mind.  She  was  no 
lefs  remarkable  for  humility  and  charity,  a 
promoter  of  good  order  in  the  church,  and  of 
true  peace  upon  the  right  foundation  ;  for 
which  virtues  Ihe  gained  the  general  e{l©em 
of  her  friends  and  others. 

Between  the  years  1742  and  1754,  llie 
viiited  mod  of  the  meetings  of  friends  in 
Pennfylvania,  New-Jerfey,  Long-Iiland  and 
the  Eaftern-fhore  of  Maryland.  Pier  care  to 
attend  mee-tings  was  memorable  and  worchy 
of  imitation,  even  when  under  great  bodily 
weaknels  and  infirmity,  as  fhe  was  for  ma- 
ny years  in  the  latter  part  of  her  life,  fe- 
veral  of  her  joints  being  greatly  affedled. 
with  the  violence  of  rheamacic  pains ;  all 
which  fhe  bore  with  fuch  patience  and  hum- 
ble refignation  of  mind,  as  truly  becomes  a 

chriftiau 


(    248    ) 

cliriftian,  and  befpoke  a  well  grounded  hope 
of  a  lafting  habitation  at  the  end  of  a  wea- 
ry pilgrimage  in  this  world. 

She  was  at  meeting  a  few  weeks  before 
her  deceafe,  but  feeling  mvich  bodily  weak- 
nefs,  file  exprefTed  her  doubt  of  ever  coming 
again  j  having  at  divers  times  before  mani- 
fefled  a  fenfe  of  her  end  being  near.  About 
five  days  before  her  deceafe  flie  was  feized 
with  a  fever  and  inward  pains,  which  weak- 
ened her  very  fall:.  The  night  before  flie 
died  fhe  had  feyeral  refrefliing  naps  of  fleep, 
and  on  awaking  was  otten  heard  quietly  to 
repeat  thefe  words,  *  A  happy  change,  a 
*  happy  change  j'  and  about  the  ^th  hour 
on  the  ifi  of  the  firft  month  1766,  flie 
quietly  departed,  as  one  falling  afleep,  be- 
ing cheerful  and  fenfible  almofl  to  the  laft  mo- 
ments of  life  ;  in  the  fixty-feventh  year  of 
her  age,  a  minifter  about  33  years;  and  on 
the  "^d  of  the  fame  month,  was  interr'd  in 
the  burying-ground  of  friends  at  Eaft-Not- 
tingham. 


A  Teftimony  from  Sadfbury  Monthly- Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Mar  Y  Mooii  K. 

OU  R  well  efleemed  friend  Mary  Moore, 
late  wife  of  James  Moore,  and  daugh- 
ter of  Jofeph  and  Sarah  Wildman,  of  Bucks 
county,  was  born  the  ^th  day  of  the  eighth 
month  1720,    fhe  was  adorn'd  with  a  meek 

and 


(     249     ) 

^nd  quiet  fpirit,  favour'd  with  a  gift  in  the 
miniltry ,  whofe  te.ftiiiiony  was  generally  well 
received,  her  words  being  few  and  favoury, 
and  her  awful  deportment  and  exemplary 
conduct  both  at  home  and  abroad,  worthy 
of  imitation.  About  a  year  before  her  de- 
ceafe  flie  was  taken  with  a  lingering  difor- 
der,  in  which  time  of  weaknefs  llie  was 
often  tenderly  affecfted,  advihng  her  childrea 
and  others,  *  To  prepare  for  their  latter  end, 

*  and  not  leave  their  work  behind  hand;' 
obierving,  in  an  humble  manner,  what  an 
awful  bowed  people  we  ought  to  be. 

About  four  hours  before  her  departure 
many  friends  came  to  fee  her,  whom  fhe 
earneflly  beholding,  defircd  they  would  fic 
down,  that  they  might  truly  wait  in  God's 
fear,  and  that  thofe  who  knew  how  to  wait 
would  get  deep  in  true  hlence:  At  which 
time,  notwithftanuing  her  great  w^eaknefs, 
Ihe  was  divinely  favoured,  and  her  tongue 
loofed  to  leave  her  laft  tcftimony,  faying, 

*  Friends,  if  you  love  God,  he  will  love  you, 

*  and  if  you  do  not  love  God,  how  can  you 

*  expedl  to  be  beloved  of  him  ?'    Adding, 

*  If  you  would  gather  your  families   more 

*  often  together,  and  fit  down  in  his  fear, 

*  and  wait  in  true  filence,  to  have  your 
'  minds  drawn  from  this  world,  you  would 

*  grow  in  the  truth,'  with  more  to  the  fame 
e.fFe(5l:,  deliring  they  might  remember  her 
words.  After  which  flie  defired  her  hul- 
band  would  freely  give  her  up  and  not 
moura  after  her,  at  the  fame  time  encou- 

ragc4 


/ 


(  ^So  ) 
raged  him  to  faithfulnefs,  and  defired  friends 
would  be  ftill  and  quiet  until  her  departure. 
Being  fenfible  to  the  laft,  (he  quietly  expired 
the  i$th  of  the  feventh  month  1766,  and 
was  interr'd  in  friends  burying-ground  at 
Sadfbury,  aged  forty-five  years. 


A  TeJIimony  from  Haddon field  Monthly- Meet- 
ing in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Thomas 

R  h  D  xM  A  N. 

E  was  born  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
the  3 1/?  of  the  third  month  17 14,  and 
being  ftripped  of  his  parents  when  young, 
was    placed   apprentice   in   faid   city,    after 
which  he  removed  and  fettled  at  Haddon- 
field   aforefaid.     About   the  twenty- fecond 
year  of  his  age,  he  appeared  in  theminillry, 
and  we  believe  laboured  faithfully  until  the 
conclufion  of  his  days.     He  travelled  into 
New-England  on  a  religious  vifit,  in  com- 
pany  with   Edmund  Peckovei%    of  Great- 
Britain,    who    was   here    on    a  vifit  to  the 
churches  in  America,  from  whence,    at  his 
return,  we  received  a  good  account   of  his 
fervices,   which,    with   his  company,     was 
very  acceptable  to  us.     He  was  often  deeply 
exerciied  for  the  grovv'th   and   profperity  of 
truth,  whicli  we  believe  he  truly  loved.    In 
family  viiits  he  was  much  favoured  with  di- 
vine ability,   and  had  to  deliver  fuitable  ad- 
vice to  the  benefit  and  refrefhment  of  many: 

His. 


(     25«     ) 

His  teflimony  was  plain,   found  and  edify- 
ino-;  a  lowly  minded  Teeker  of  divine  help, 
which  made  him  very  ufeful  in  the  carrying 
on  the  affairs  of  the  church.     He  ruled  well 
in  his  own  family,  bringing  them  up  in  mo- 
deration and  plainnefs,  and  was  a  good  ex- 
ample therein  himfelf.    Although  he  did  not 
travel  much  in  diftant  parts,  yet  he  vifited 
moil  of  the   meetings   in  New-jerfey   and 
Pennfylvania.     He  was  fometimes  fervently 
engaged  to  call  to  the  youth,  for  whom  he 
was    much    concerned ;     he   w?is   prudent, 
charitable  and  benevolent,  whofe  houfe  was 
open  fpeely  to  receive  his  friends.    And  altho' 
we  feniibly  feel  the  Ibfs  of  fo  worthy  a  friend 
and  member,  we  deiire  to  fu'omit.  believing 
our  lofs  is  his  great  gain,  and  that  he  now 
inherits   a  place  prepared  for  the  righteous. 
He  departed  this  life,  at  his  own  houfe  in 
Haddonfield,  the  23Jday  of  the  ninth  month 
1766,    in   the  lifty-chird   year  of   his   age, 
and  was  interr'd  the  25//.?  in  friends   bury- 
ing-ground   at  Haddonfield,  after  a  large 
and  folid  meeting  on  the  occafion. 


A  TeJiimonyfrom'Uvv'ch.l^n  Monthly-Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  SaxMUKL  John. 

HE  was  born  in  Pembrokefhire,  in  the 
principality  of  Wales,  in  the  year 
768c,  and  educated  in  profefHon  with  the 
church  of  England,  being  (as  v^e  have  been 

inform'd 


(      252      ) 

informed  by  thofe  who  then  knew  him)  a 
fober  youth,  rehgioufly  incUned,  and  con- 
cern'd  for  an  inward  acquaintance  with  the 
Lord,  who  had  touched  his  heart  with  a 
fenfe  of  his  own  ftate  and  condition,  whence 
defires  being  raifed  after  that  which  is  fub- 
ftantial,  he  continued  feeking  for  many 
years,  and  among  divers  profeflions. 

He  came  over  to  Pennfylvania,  in  the  year 
1709,  and  fome  time  after  fettled  at  Uwch- 
lan  aforefaid,  and  foon  joined  in  fociety 
with  friends,  having  for  divers  years  before 
been  under  fome  convincement  of  the  prin- 
ciple of  truth  as  held  by  us;  and^being 
ineafurably  faithful  to  the  manifeflation  of 
grace  received,  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  be- 
ftow  upon  him  a  difpenfation  of  the  gofpel 
to  preach,  in  which  we  believe  he  laboured 
ffiithfully,  and  became  a  found  and  able 
minifler;  His  fitting  in  meetings  for  divine 
worfhip  was  folid  and  exemplary,  often  in 
filence,  tho'  at  times  when  moved  thereto, 
doctrine  hath  dropped  from  him  as  the  dew, 
and  his  fpeech  diftilled  as  the  fmall  rain,  to 
the  refrefhing  the  hungry  and  thirfty  foul. 

He  was  an  example  of  plainnefs  and  mo- 
deration, his  converfation  weighty  and  in- 
ftru(51:ive,  alfo  very  encouraging  to  fuch  as 
were  well  minded ;  and  divers  Imall  pieces 
found  among  his  papers,  which  appear  4s 
the  produce  of  his  private  meditations,  ma- 
nifeft  that  his  converfation  was  often  in 
heaven,  and  his  meditation  on  heavenly 
things. 

It 


(     253     ) 

It  was  his  lot  to  pafs  through  divers  bap- 
tifing  and  affliding  circumftances  (occafion- 
ed  by  the  conduct  of  fome  who  oui^ht  to 
have  been  a  comfort  to  him  in  his  decUning 
years)  which  he  bore  with  becoming  pati- 
ence, and  retained  his  greennefs  to  the  laft, 
appearing  in  a  fweet  comfortable  frame  of 
mind ;  he  often  exprefs'd  himfelf  in  a  deep, 
fenhble  and  affedling  manner,  to  fome  who 
vifited  him  during  his  lail  weaknefs  which 
continued  a  confiderable  time,  being  con- 
fined at  home  thro'  bodily  infirmity  and 
old  age,  for  near  two  years  before  his  de- 
ceafe. 

He  quietly  departed  this  life,  on  the  i6th 
of  the  tenth  month  1766,  in  the  eighty- 
feventh  year  of  his  age,  having  been  a  mi- 
nifter  about  54  years,  and  was  buried  the 
1 8//?  of  the  faid  month;  wdien  a  folemn 
meeting  was  held,  wherein  theoverfliadowing 
of  truth  was  meafurably  felt,  under  the  in- 
fluence whereof  the  unruly  were  warned,  and 
the  feeble  minded  comforted  and  encouraged 
to  perfevere  in  the  way  which  leads  to  peace. 


A  Tejllmony  from  New-Garden  Monthly-Meeting 
in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  John  Smith. 

HE  was  born  at  Dartmouth,    in  New- 
England,  the  yi  of  the  fourth  month 
168 1  ;    his  parents  were  Prelbyterians,  but 
joined  with  friends  in  their  laicer  years.    As 

he 


(  254  ) 
he  grew  to  years  of  underitanding,  the  Lord 
was  plealed  to  favour  him  with  the  know- 
ledge of  his  bleflfcd  truth,  through  the  -di- 
vine hght  ihining  in  his  heart,  vvhereby  he 
became  acquainted  with  the  difcipline  of 
the  crofs,  and  was,  whilfl  young,  in  a  good 
degree  weaned  from  the  vanities  and  perifh- 
ing  enjoyments  of  this  world. 

About  the  twenty-fecond  year  of  his  age, 
he  bore  a  teflimony  againft  wars  and  fight- 
ings, for  vvhich  he  was   fined  and  fuflered 
feven  months  imprifonment.  In  the  twenty- 
fourth  year  of  his   age,    he  embark'd  for 
England,  and  on  his  arrival  there,  was  prefT- 
ed  on  board  a  velTel  of  war,  where  he  was 
kept  about  fix  weeks ;    and  for  refufmg  to 
fight  or  be  an  affiflant  therein,  he  under- 
went fufferings,  trials  and  many  exercifes, 
but  thro'  the  Lord's  mercy  and  goodnefs,  he 
was  preferved  fleady  in  his  teftimony,  and 
found  peace  and  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  to 
be  with  him  in  a  large  degree,  rejoicing  that 
he  was  accounted  worthy  to  fuffer  for  the 
teftimony  of  truth.    He  came  over  to  Penn- 
fylvania  foon  after,   and  when  married,  re- 
jided  feveral  years  at  or  near  Chefter,  and 
about  the  year  17 13,  he  removed  with  his 
family  into  Ea ft- Marlborough    in   Chefter 
county,  where  he  dwelt  upwards  of  40  years. 
About  the  year  17 14,  a  meeting  for  worihip 
was  fettled  at  his  houfe,  which  continued 
until  a  meeting- houfe  was  built  in  London- 
Grove  townfliip  not  far  diflant. 

He 


(     ^55     ) 

.'  He  was  one  whom  we  think  dwelt  near 
the  truth,  having  received  the  fame  in  the 
love  of  it.  His  miniftry  was  favoury  tho* 
not  very  eloquent,  zealous  for  good  order 
andferviceabie  in  thedifcipiine  of  the  church. 
He  often  fpoke  of  the  degeneracy  from  the 
primitive  plainnefs  conlpicuoas  amongfh 
friends,  both  in  drefs  and  addrefs,  and  the 
great  need  of  a  reformation ;  expreiTmg  his 
fervent  defires  for  the  reftoration  of  ancient 
purity  ;  and  be"ng  himfelf  an  example  of 
plainnefs,  and  in  converfation  cheerful,  in- 
ftrucflive  and  edifying ;  was  often  concern'd 
toftir  up  the  negligent  to  their  duty,  both 
in  refpe(5l  to  attendance  of  meetings  and 
humble  waiting  therein. 

He  cheerfully  entertained  his  friends, 
whofe  company  and  converfation  he  greatly 
deiired  ;  and  tho'  in  the  decline  of  life,  he 
met  with  fome  affli(5ling  occurrences,  yet  he 
bore  them  with  a  good  degree  of  chriilian 
fortitude,  looking  over  them  to  that  which 
is  invifible,  having  an  eye  to  the  recompence 
of  reward. 

The  laft  place  of  his  refidence,  was  with- 
in the  limits  of  New-Garden  particular 
meeting,  which  he  carefully  attended  when 
able;  the  Lord  being  pleafed  to  preferve 
him  as  a  fruitful  branch,  freili  and  green, 
v/hich  was  manifefted  by  his  converfation, 
folid  deportment  in  meetings,  and  particu- 
larly in  his  miniftry;  a  fweetnefs  of  fpirit 
and  lively  fenfe  of  truth  apparently  attend- 
ing him  to  the  laft. 

His 


{  256  ) 
His  bodily  infirmities  gradually  increa{^ 
ing,  he  departed  this  life,  the  i^th  of  the 
teath  month  1766,  and  was  buried  at  Lon- 
don-Grove aforefkid,  in  the  eighty-fixth 
year  of  his  age ;  and  we  truft  he  is  at  reft, 
receiving  the  reward  of  the  faithful. 


ATeftimony  from  Warrington  Monthly*  Meet  ing 
in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Alexander 
Underwood. 

HE  was  born  in  Maryland  in  the  year 
1688,  and  being  convinced  of  the 
truth  fome  time  after  he  arrived  to  man's 
eftate,  was  chofen  an  elder  of  the  meeting 
•where  he  then  refided ;  afterwards  remov- 
ing to  this  then  remote  part  of  the  country, 
in  the  fifty- feventh  year  of  his  age  he  ap- 
peared in  the  miniftry,  and  travelled  twice 
on  that  fervice  to  North-Carolina,  of  which 
vilits  we  receiv'd  comfortable  accounts 
frorri  friends  there ;  and  when  at  home  was 
enabled  to  minifcer  fuitably  to  the  ftate  of 
tlie  church,  to  the  comfort  of  the  true 
mourners  in  Zion,  and  encouragement  oi 
the  faithful  travellers.  Towards  the  latter 
part  of  his  time,  his  bodily  ftrength  much 
failed,  yet  he  vifited  fome  of  the  neighbour- 
ing meetings,  and  families  of  friends,  to 
the  comfort  of  the  faithful,  his  miniftry 
continuing  to  be  found  and  lively. 

In 


(     257     ) 
In  his  laft  ficknefs  he  feemed  much  re^ 
figned,  and  at  one  time  faid,    '  He  had  the 

*  company  of  his  good  mafler  to  comfort 
^  him  in  his   affli6lion.*     At  another  faid, 

*  That  he  could  fay  with  the  Pfahnifl,  that 

*  the  good  hand  that  was'  with  him  in  his 

*  young  years,  had  not  forfook  him  now  in 

*  his  old  age.'    And  divers  times  fignified, 

*  He  ftill  felt  the  comforter  with  him;'  fay- 
ing, *  His  day's  work  was  done.'  A  little 
before  his  departure,  he  fang  praifes  and 
hallelujahs,  to  his  great  Lord  and  mafter. 
Then  prayed  for  the  little  handful ;  and 
taking  leave  of  all  prefent,  continued  in  a 
fweet  frame  of  mind,  finging  praifes  until 
he  could  not  be  underftood,  and  quietly  de- 
parted this  life,  the  3  ifi  of  the  tenth  month 
1767,  and  was  interr'd  the  2d  of  the  eleventh 
month,  in  thefeventy-ninth  year  of  his  age. 
May  we  who  are  left  behind,  be  engaged  to 
follow  his  example,  that  fo  our  end  may  be 
like  unto  his. 


A  Teflimony  fro7n  Bradford  Monthly-  Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Ab  r  a h  a  m  Ma  r- 

SHALL. 

WE  underftand  he  was  born  at  Grat- 
ton,  in  Derbylliire  Old  England, 
and  educated  in  the  proleffion  of  the  church 
of  England;  in  his  youth  he  was  favoured 
with  a  vilitation  of  divine  love,    but   not 

keeping 

S 


(    258    ) 
keeping  clofe  thereunto,  when  amongft  his 
companions  he  fuffered  lofs.     When  about 
fifteen  or  fixteen  years  of  age,  our  worthy 
friend  John  Gratton  being  abroad  in  truth's 
lervice,  was  concern'd  to  have  a  meeting  at 
a  town  called  Ahiwick,  where  this  our  friend 
then  refided,  who  fo  powerfully  declared  the 
truth,  that  he   amongft  divers   others  was 
convinced;  and  carefully  abiding  under  the 
difcipline  of  the  crofs,  he  in  time  received 
a   part  in  the  miniftry.     About   the   year 
1697,  he  came  over  to  Pennfylvania,  and 
for  Ibme  time  reiided  near  Derby,  where  he 
enter'd  into  a  married  ftate,  and  in  a  few 
years  afterwards  removed  to  the  forks   of 
Brandywine,  then  a  new  fettled  part  of  the 
country,  the  neareft  meeting  being  about 
eleven  miles,  which  he  feldom   milfed  at- 
tending when  of  ability  of  body ;    he  was 
alio    inftrumental    in   lettling    this    called 
Bradford  meeting,  within  the  compafs   of 
which  he  refided  the  remainder  of  his  days. 
He  was  an  example  of   plainnefs   and  felf 
denial,  and  concern'd  for  the  fupport  of  the 
difcipline.      He  travelled  into  New-Jerfey 
and  the  fouthern  provinces  where  his  fer- 
•\'ice   in    the    miniilry    was    acceptable,  his 
dodfrine  being  found,  and  his  life,  conver- 
fation  and  deportment  adorning  the  fame. 
When  far  advanced  in  age,  his  hearing  arid 
memory  failing,  rendefd  his  ulefulnels  not 
lb  ex teniive  as  in  his   younger  years.     For 
fome   rime    before    his   dcceale,   he   feemed 
very  defirous  of  his  change,  often  expreliing, 

'  *  1  hat 


■■.^.  -iwjfc.*""" 


(     259     ) 

*  That  people  fliould  io  live  in  this  world 
'  as  to  fit  them  for  another.'  About  twenty- 
four  hours  before  he  died,  he  laid  to  thofe 
with  him,    '  Let  me  go,  let  me  go.     People 

*  lliould  live  in  love:*  Then  faidj  '  Farewell, 
'  farewell ;'  after  three  or  four  weeks  illnefs 
or  rather  growing  weaker  with  age,  he  de- 
parted in  a  compofed  frame  ot  mind,  on 
the  lytb  of  the  twelfth  month  1767,  and 
on  the  20tb  was  interr'din  friends  burying- 
ground  at  Bradford.  By  the  general  ac- 
count, in  the  ninety- feventh  year  of  his  age^ 
but  we  have  fome  reafon  to  believe  he  was 
one  hundred  and  three. 

Mary  Mariliall,  his  widow  was  born  in 
Kent  in  Old  England,  and  came  to  America 
with  her  father  when  about  two  years  and 
an  half  old.  She  furvived  her  hufband  about 
fifteen  months,  and  departed  this  life,  after 
about  four  days  illnefs,  quiet  and  eafy,  in 
the  eighty-feventh  year  of  her  age,  leaving 
a  good  favour  in  our  reraembrance. 


A  Te/limony  from  the  Monthly- Meeting  of 
Friends  in  Philadelphia,  concerning  Ben- 
jamin Trottek,  ivbo  ivas  born  in  this 
city^  in  the  ninth  month  of  the  year  1699. 

E  was  early  vifited,  and  reached  unto 
by   the  reproofs  of  divine  light  and 
giace,  for  thofe  youthful  vanities  and  cor- 
rupt converiation,  which  by  nature  he  was 
iS  2  prone 


(       0.60      ) 

prone  to  and  pnrfued,  to  the  grief  of  hlg 
pious  mother,  who  was  religioufly  concern- 
ed to  redrain  him;  but  as  he  became  obedi- 
ent to  the  renewed  vifitations  of  the  heaven- 
ly call,  denying  himfelf  of  thofe  things  he 
was  reproved  for,  he  not  only  learned  to 
ceafe  from  doing  evil,  but  to  live  in  the 
practice  of  doing  well ;  and  continuing  faith- 
ful, became  an  example  of  plainnefs  and 
felf  denial,  for  which  he  fuffered  much 
fcofhng  and  mocking  of  thofe  who  had  been 
his  companions  in  folly;  yet  he  neither 
fainted  nor  was  turned  afide  by  the  reproach- 
es of  the  ungodly,  which  thus  fell  to  his  lot, 
for  his  plain  teflimony  againfl  their  evil 
condu(fl. 

In  the  twenty-fixth  year  of  his  age,  he 
appeared  in  the  work  of  the  miniflry,  and 
laboured  therein  in  much  plainnefs  and 
godly  fincerity,  adorning  the  docftrine  he 
preached,  by  a  humble  circumfpecft  life  and 
converfation,  being  exemplary  in  his  dili- 
gence and  induifry  to  labour  honeftly  for  a 
livelihood,  though  often  in  much  bodily- 
infirmity  and  weaknefs,  defiring,  as  hefome- 
times  expreffed,  that  he  might  owe  no  man 
any  thing  but  love.  His  inoffenfive  open- 
nefs  and  affability,  drawing  many  of  dif- 
ferent denominations  to  converfe  with  him, 
he  had  fome  feafonable  opportunities  of  ad- 
moniihing  and  rebuking  the  evil  doer  and 
evil  fpeaker,  which  he  did,  in  the  plainnefs 
of  an  upright  zeal  for  the  promotion  of  pie- 
ty and  virtue,  tempered  with  true  brotJierly 

kindnels 


(       26l       ) 

kindnefs  and  charity;  refpedling  not  the 
perfon  of  the  proud  nor  of  the  rich,  be- 
caufe  of  his  riches,  but  with  chriftian  free- 
dom, declaring  the  truth  to  his  neighbour, 
and  was  thus  in  private  as  well  as  public,  a 
preacher  of  righteoufnefs. 

In  his  public  miniftry  he  was  zealous 
againft  errors  both  in  principle  and  practice, 
and  conftantly  concerned  to  prels  the  ne- 
cellity  of  obedience  to  the  principle  of  divine 
grace;  a  manifeftatinn  of  which  is  given 
to  every  man  ;  knowing,  from  his  own  ex- 
perience, that  it  bringeth  falvation  to  all 
them  that  obey  and  follow  its  teachings,  and 
was  frequently  enabled  with  energy  and 
power  to  bear  teltimony  to  the  outward 
coming  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  his  mira- 
culous birth,  his  holy  example  in  his  life 
and  precepts,  and  his  death  and  fufFerings 
at  Jerufalem,  by  which  he  hath  obtained  e- 
ternal  redemption  for  us. 

In  his  public  teftimony  a  little  before 
his  laft  ficknefs,  he  expreiled  his  apprehen- 
fions,  that  his  time  among  us  would  be  ihort, 
and  fervently  exliorted  to  watchfulnefs  and 
care,  to  keep  our  lamps  tnmmed,  and  our 
lights  burning,  and  urged  the  necefficy  of 
being  prepared  to  meet  the  bridegroom,  as 
not  knowing  at  what  hour  he  will  come. 

He  travelled  leveral  times,  and  vilited 
mod  of  the  meetings  ot  friends  in  this  pro- 
vince and  New-Jeriey,  and  ibme  in  the  ad- 
jacent provinces,  but  was  not  much  from 
home ;    being  upwards  of  forty  years  a  dili- 


(      262      ) 

gent  attender  of  our  religious  meetings  iil 
this  city,  zealoufly  concerned  for  the  main- 
taining our  chrifhian  difcipline  in  meeknefs 
and  true  charity,  careful  in  the  exercife  of 
that  part  of  pure  religion,  vifiting  the  wi- 
dow and  fatherlefs  in  their  afflidlions,  and 
often  qualified  to  adminifter  relief  and  con- 
folation  to  their  dejected  minds. 

Afflitfbions  of  divers  kinds,  and  fome  very 
deep  and  exercifing,  fell  to  his  lot  through 
the  courfe  of  his  life,  which  he  was  enabled 
to  bear  with  exemplary  patience  and  refig- 
nation,  and  particularly  through  his  lafl  ili- 
nefs,  in  which,  for  upwards  of  fix  weeks, 
he  underwent  great  difficulty  and  pain,  be- 
ii  g  aflii(5led  with  the  althma  and  dropfy,  fo 
that  he  luffered  much,  yet  was  never  heard 
to  utter  a  murmur  or  complaint,  but  fre- 
quently ex  pre  (Ted  his  thankfulneis,  that  he 
had  not  more  pain,  and  often  engaged  in 
prayer,  that  he  might  be  preferved  in  pati- 
ence to  the  end,  which  was  gracioufly  grant- 
ed him  ;  fo  that  he  was  capable  of  fpeaking 
to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  thofe  who 
vifitedhim;  and  from  the  fervent  love  of 
the  brethren,  which  evidently  appeared  thro* 
his  lite,  and  moll  confpicuoully  during  his 
lail  ihnefs,  and  even  in  the  hour  of  his 
death,  we  have  a  well-grounded  affurance 
that  he  is  palled  unto  life,  and  hath  receiv- 
ed the  reward  of  the  righteoufs. 
_  His  body  was  attended  by  a  great  number 
of  friends  and  others,  his  fellow-citizens  of 
divers  religious  denominations,  to  our  meet- 
in  g-l.i)ufe 


(    =63    ) 

ing-houfein  High-Street,  on  the  i^jh  of  the 
third  month,  1768,  and  after  a  folemn 
meeting,  was  interr'd  in  our  burial-ground 
•in  this  city. 


A  Tellimony  from  Richland  Monthly -Meeting  m 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Edward  Ro- 
berts. 

HE  was  born  in  Merionethfliire,  in  the 
principaHty  of  Wales,  in  the  third 
month  1687,  and  came  into  Pennfylvania 
about  the  twelfth  year  of  his  age  ;  was  early 
convinced  of  the  principle  of  truth  as  held 
forth  by  friends,  with  whom  he  joined  in 
communion,  and  by  his  godly  life  and  con- 
verfation  through  the  courfe  of  his  time, 
was  nearly  united  to  them.  His  minillry 
was  attended  with  divine  fweetnefs  and  ener- 
gy, labouring  faithfully  therein  to  the  com- 
fort and  edification  of  the  living  whilft  health 
and  bodily  ability  continued ;  being  a  lively 
example  of  humility,  plainneis,  temperance, 
meeknefs  and  charity,  and  of  juiUce  and  up- 
rightnefsin  his  dealings  amongfl  men,  which 
gamed  him  the  love  and  elteem  of  people  of 
all  denominations.  He  was  a  tender  affec- 
tionate huiband  and  father,  earneftly  con- 
cern'd  to  train  up  his  children  and  family 
in  tlie  fear  of  God,  and  example  and  in- 
ftru(51:  them  in  the  priths  of  vnuue,  and  alio 
inanifeiled  a  true  zeal  for  promoting  and 

pieitrviug 


(  264  ) 
preferving  peace  and  good  order  in  foclety, 
wherein  he  was  often  fingularly  ferviceahle. 
His  bodily  ftrength  gradually  diminifliing, 
he  was  reduced  even  to  a  child's  Hate,  in 
which  he  quietly  departed  this  life,  without 
much  ficknefs,  on  the  z^th  of  the  elevenrh 
month  1768,  in  the  eighty -lecond  year  of 
his  age  j  a  minifler  above  40  years. 


4.  Teflhnony  from  Abington  Monthly -meeting  in 
Vt\\w{y\si2im.2i^ concerning  Mary  Knight. 

H  E  was  the  daughter  of  John  and  Ma- 
ry Carver,  who  came  from  England  in 
the  year  1682,  and  was  born  in  or  near 
Phiiadelphia  foon  after  her  parents  arrived, 
being  one  of  the  firfl  children  born  of  En- 
glifli  parents  in  Pennfylvania.  Her  parents 
fetcied  at  Byberry  hi  Philadelphia  county, 
and  educated  her  in  our  religious  profelTion. 
When  about  eighteen  years  old,  flie  marri- 
ed Ifaac  Knight  and  became  a  member  of 
Abington  particular  meeting :  Some  time 
after  ihe  appear'd  in  meetings  in  a  few  words 
in  iimplicity  and  innocency,  and  in  the  ex- 
ercile  of  her  gift  tho'  fmall,  vifited  divers 
meetings  in  feme  of  the  adjacent  provinces, 
from  whence  fhe  generally  produced  ac- 
counts of  friends  acceptance  ot  her  iervices: 
And  continuing  in  a  fteady  perfeverance, 
according  to  her  talent,  as  ilie  advanced  to 
old  age,  her  zeal  ior  the  caule  of  truth  and 

good 


(     265    ) 
good  of    fouls   manifeflly    increafed ;    fre- 
quently recommending  faithfulnefs,  and  a 
daily  watchfulnefs   againfl    the   enemy    of 
fouls,    whom    flie   often  faid,     '  Was   un- 

*  wearied,  and  had  followed  her  all  her  life 
'  long,  being  yet  as  bufy  as  ever,  to  draw 

*  her  mind  from  off  her  watch  ;'  flie  would 
frequently  exprefs,  that  flie  had  great  caufe 
of  thankfulnefs  to  the  God  and  father  of  all 
our  mercies,  who  had  liipported  her  through 
many  befetments,  with  his  gracious  promife, 
that  if  flie  would  be  faithful  according  to 
the  meafure  of  grace  beftowed,  he  would  be 
with  her  to  the  end. 

Towards  the  clofe  of  her  days,  bodily 
weaknefs  increafed,  yet  flie  was  remarkably 
diligent  in  attending  meetings,  and  with 
ardency  exhorted  all,  *  To  come  tafle  and 
'  lee  for  themfelves  that  the  Lord   is  good, 

*  for  he  had  been  good  indeed  to  her  foul/ 
with  other  expreliions  tendmg  to  encourage 
well-doing.  She  feemed  fo  fill'd  with  love 
to  God,  love  to  her  friends,  and  love  to  her 
fellow  creatures  in  general,  that  we  have 
reafon  to  believe  God  was  with  her,  and 
tliat  her  laft  days  were  her  beif  days.  A  good 
end  crowns  all. 

She  departed  this  life,  the  ^th  of  the 
third  month  1769,  and  was  buried  at  Abing- 
ton  the  6th  of  the  fame  month,  aged  near 
eighty-ieven  years, 

A  Te/limony 


(    266    ) 

A  Teftimony  from  Abington  Monthly- Meeting  in 
Peanlylvania,  concerning  Thomas  Wood. 

U  R  faid  friend  was  born  in  England, 
of  parents  not  profefling  with  us,  who 
brought  him  over  with  them  when  very- 
young,  and  refided  in  New-Jerfey  in  the 
early  fettlement  of  that  province.  Soon  af- 
ter he  became  capable  of  religious  confidera- 
tion,  he  v/as  convinced  of  the  principle  of 
truth  as  profeffed  by  us,  on  which  account 
he  underwent  the  difpleai'ure  of,  and  fome 
feverities  from  his  father,  but  being  fteady 
and  prudent  in  condudl,  and  faithful  to  his 
convincenient,  he  at  length  fo  gained  on  his 
father's  afFedlions,  that  after  fome  time  he 
became  reconciled  and  friendly  to  him. 

He  became  a  member  of  this  monthly, 
and  of  Abington  particular  meeting,  on  or 
about  the  thirtieth  year  of  his  age,  and  fo 
continued  to  the  end  of  his  life,  being  al- 
ways, when  at  home  and  in  health,  a  con- 
ftant  attender  of  thofe  meetings,  tho'  living 
at  a  confiderable  diftance  therefrom. 

When  about  forty-eight  years  of  age,  he 
appeared  in  the  minidry,  and  became  a 
faithiul  labourer  therein  according  to  abili- 
ty. He  had  little  or  no  Ibhool- learning,  yet 
delighted  much  in  hearing  the  fcriptures 
read,  and  often  promoted  the  reading  of 
them  in  his  family;  by  means  v/hereof  and 
a  retentive  me/.x.ory,  he  fumetimes,  thro' 
the  ailiilance  of  divine  grace,    quoted  texts 

from 


(    267    ) 

from  them  in  his  miniftry,  which  was  not 
in  the  enticing  words  of  man's  wifdom,  but 
in  the  demonflration  of  the  fpirit,  often  ad- 
miniitring  comfort  to,  and  trvie  fympathy 
with,  the  affli6led  and  mourners  in  Zion. 

He  divers  times  viiited  moll  of  the  ditlant 
meetings  of  friends  on  this  continent,  aad 
on  his  return  produced  fatisfadlory  accounts 
of  his  fervices  in  thofe  vifirs.  He  often 
communicated  good  and  wholefome  advice 
to  his  neighbours  of  other  religious  deno- 
minations, amongll  whom  he  was  generally 
reipe61:ed,  as  a  good  neighbour,  and  an  ho- 
neil,  innocent,  inoflenfive  man. 

Akho'  he  did  not  appear  to  be  much  gift- 
ed for  the  exercife  of  the  difcipiine,  yet  be- 
ing a  conftant  attender  of  meetings  appoint- 
ed for  that  puri)ole,  and  a  diligent  waiter 
therein,  there  was  a  language  intelligible  in 
his  folid  filence,  which  communicated  in- 
ftrudlion  to  his  friends,  who  were  always 
well  pleafed  with  his  company. 

He  was  a  promoter  of  that  weighty  fer- 
vice  of  vihting  friends  families,  wherein  he 
was  ufefuUy  engaged,  even  when  thro'  old 
age  and  bodily  weaknefs,  it  appear'd  to 
human  probability  too  hard  and  arduous 
an  undertaking ;  but  having  difcovered  a 
willingnels  to  make  trial,  he  joined  with 
fome  other  friends,  and  was  fupported  with 
inward  and  outward  (trength  to  go  through 
the  fervice,  to  his  own  and  his  friends  great 
fatisfa(5lion.  After  which  his  flrength  and 
faculties  declining,  he  was  moftly  confined 

ac 


(  268  ) 
at  home.  On  being  vifited  by  his  friends,  he 
appear'd  much  in  the  innocent  and  child- 
like ftate,  retaining  his  wonted  mark  ot 
difciplefhip,  viz.  love  to  his  brethren,  in 
which  he  continued  to  the  laft,  and  depart- 
ed this  life,  the  ']th  of  the  third  month  1769; 
from  the  cleareft  information  we  could  ob- 
tain, he  was  in  or  about  the  ninety-fourth 
year  of  his  age ;  having  been  a  member  of 
our  meeting  about  64  and  a  minilter  up- 
wards of  45  years. 


A  Tefiimony  from  Abington  Monthly -Meeting  m 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Isaac  Child. 

^jn  HOSE  who  die  in  the  Lord,  ceafe 
JL  from  their  labours  and  the  troubles  of 
this  life,  and  afcend  to  the  heavenly  man- 
fions,  where  they  are  forever  bleffed :  And 
all  that  can  be  faid  on  their  behalf,  cannot 
in  any  degree  advance  their  happinefs  nor 
add  to  their  worth;  yet  there  is  fomething 
due  to  the  memory  of  the  righteous,  fuch 
whofe  lives  have  been  confpicuoufly  virtu- 
ous, who  have  laid  down  their  heads  in 
peace,  are  gone  from  works  to  rewards,  and 
left  a  fweet  favour. 

Our  dear  and  well  efteemed  friend  Ifaac 
Child,  having  departed  this  life,  we  find  a 
freedom  to  give  the  follov/ing  tefiimony  con- 
cerning him  while  amonglt  us. 

In. 


(     269     ) 

In  the  year  1764,  he,  with  his  wife  and 
two  children,  came  well  recommended  to  u3 
from  Buckingham  monthly-meeting  ;  when 
he  found  a  draught  and  freedom  to  come 
and  fettle  amongll:  us,  and  a  favourable  op- 
portunity prefenting,  he  was  not  hafly  ia 
his  determination,  but,  agreeable  to  the 
good  and  wholefome  rule  of  our  difcipline, 
laid  the  matter  before  the  monthly-meeting 
he  then  belonged  to,  for  their  advice. 

This  worthy  friend  approved  himfelf  to 
be  one  who  had  fubmitted  to  the  yoke  and 
crofs  of  Chriil  in  his  youth,  and  by  the  in- 
fluence and  operation  of  truth  upon  him, 
was  made  fenfible  ot  the  necelTity  of  living 
a  circumfpett  and  felf-denying-life;  and  as 
he  yielded  obedience  to  thedicftates  of  grace, 
being  thereby  fubjed:cd  to  the  divine  wdl 
and  requirings,  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to 
employ  him  in  his  vineyard,  and  to  qualify 
him  for  fervice  therein,  both  in  the  exercife 
of  the  difcipline  of  the  church,  and  as  a 
minifler  of  the  gofpel. 

He  was  exemplary  in  life  and  converiati- 
on,  his  deportment  being  meek,  humble 
and  innocently  cheerful,  yet  guarding  againft 
any  thing  that  would  tend  to  lightnefs  in 
behaviour,  his  company  was  pleafant,  and 
his  words  favoury  and  edifying :  A  tender 
affediionate  hufband  and  parent,  a  kind 
friend  and  neighbour ;  not  of  a  murmuring 
dii'pofition  when  he  met  with  difappoint- 
ments  and  afflit^lions,  but  freely  fubmitted 
to  what  was  permitted  to  come  upon  him. 

He 


(     270    ) 

He  was  zealous  for  the  caufe  of  God,  and 
the  llipport  of  chriftian  difcipliiie  in  its  va- 
rious branches,  not  hally  in  giving  his  fen- 
timents  on  matters  relative  thereto;  but  af- 
ter deliberately  waiting  for  a  proper  quali- 
fication, he  moftly  fpake  dole  and  pertinent, 
with  clearnefs  and  foundnefs  of  judgment. 
He  was  concern'd  for  the  clofe  and  due  exer- 
cife  of  the  difcipline  againfl;  offenders,  not 
willing  that  any  part  ot  itfliouldbedifpenled 
with,  through  partial  favour  or  alfed^ion,  but 
that  true  judgment,  according  to  their  tram- 
grelfions^  iliould  be  placed  upon  them,  the 
church  cleanfed  from  defilem.ents  and  re- 
proaches, and  that  the  libeitine  profeiror 
and  the  circumfpe(5l  walker  niight  be  truly 
ditlinguillied.  Yet  he  was  at  times,  led  in- 
to fympathy  and  travel  of  foul  for  fuch 
who  through  inadvertency  had  miffed  their 
way,  and  were  in  feme  meafure  fenfible  of 
their  error  ;  to  thofe  he  fome  times  extended 
private  admonition  and  counfel,  in  love  to 
their  fouls,  and  with  dehres  for  their  reito- 
ration.  It  may  truly  be  faid,  he  was  en- 
dowed with  a  large  Ihare  of  natural  under- 
ftanding,  which  being  fantftified  by  divine 
grace,  he  became  well  qualified  for  fervice 
in  the  church. 

As  a  minifler,  he  approved  himfelf  one 
rightly  called  to  the  work,  having  experi- 
enced a  growth  from  a  good  beginnmg  to  a 
large  advancement,  and  at  times,  thro'  di- 
vine aid  was  enabled  to  deliver  much  ex- 
cellent dodrine  to  the  comfort  and  edifica- 

tioa 


(  271  ) 
tion  of  fuch  whofe  minds  were  gathered  in- 
to a  true  inward  worlhip  of  God  in  fpirit: 
And  the  negligent  were  exhorted  to  more  at- 
tention in  the  great  work  of  rehgiou  and 
their  Ibals  lalvation. 

He  often  founded  an  alarm  to  the  rebel- 
lious and  gainfayers,  with  a  warning  to  re- 
pent and  amend  their  ways,  that  their  fouls 
might  be  laved  in  the  day  of  trouble.  He 
had  a  clear  delivery  and  ready  utterance,  his 
ftile  being  familiar  to  the  loweil  capacities, 
his  matter  well  conneded,  his  dotlrine 
found,  his  powerful  miniif  ry  having  a  great 
reach  upon  the  people.  He  frequently  at- 
tended burials,  both  within  the  compafs  of 
our  own  meeting,  and  fome  more  diftant, 
faying,  *  It  was  better  for  him  to  go  to  the 
'  houie  of  mourning  than  the  hoiife  of 
*  mirth ;'  at  which  times  there  was  often 
large  gatherings  of  divers  forts  of  chrillian 
profeifors,  where  he  frequently  appeared  in 
teitimony,  much  to  their  fatisfacflion ;  bein'*- 
favour'd  with  a  clear  light  of  the  Hates  of 
the  people,  and  enabled  faithfully  to  Ijpeak 
what  was  given  him,  in  a  cloie  fearching 
manner,  without  affedation,  and  in  that 
univerlal  love  which  wiihes  well  to  all  men. 

He  travelled  abroad  but  little,  except  to 
fome  neighbouring  yearly-meetings  and 
fome  other  meetings  adjacent,  in  his  laft 
public  teitimony,  which  was  in  our  month- 
ly-meeting, he  was  led  to  Ipeak  of  the  val- 
lies  that  were  to  be  railed  and  the  hills 
brought  down;  that  wdien  the  Lord  w^as 

pleafed 


(     272     ) 

pleafed  to  raife  fome  as  out  of  the  low  val- 

lies  and  adorn  them  with  his  jewels,  it  made 

them  appear  above  their  brethren;  but  when 

thofe  jewels  were  taken  off,  they  were  then 

on  a  level;    this  was   agreeable  to  his  own 

experience,  he  having  at  times  witnefled  a 

being  baptifed  into   lowlinefs  of  mind   and 

nothingnefs  of  felf ;  under  which  he  appeared 

muchrefigned  to  the  divine  will,  often  fitting 

in  lilence,  as  one  who  had  neither  call  nor 

commifTion  to  fpeak  ;  for  he  never  difcover- 

ed  a  defire  to  be  heard  in  words,    until  he 

had    received    a   renewed   qualification,    in 

pure  love,  to  fpeak  to  the   people,  and,  as 

upon  the    walls   of  Zion,    to    proclaim  the 

everlafling  gofpel  of  peace,  and  the  means 

of  falvation  through  Chrift  our  Saviour. 

In  the  time  of  his  laft  ficknefs  (which  was 
about  nine  days)  he  was  prelerved  in  pati- 
ence and  refignation  or  mind;  and  near  the 
morning  before  his  departure,  being  clear 
in  his  underilandmg,  and  feniible  of  death 
approaching,  he  was  drawn  forth  in  fervent 
fiipplication  to  the  Almighty:  After  which 
laying  ftill  for  fome  time,  he  departed  like 
a  lamb,  without  figh  or  groan,  on  the  ^tb 
of  the  fourth  month  1769,  aged  thirty-five 
years,  having  been  a  miniller  about  1 1  years, 
and  a  member  of  our  meeting  near  5  years. 
A  large  number  of  friends  and  others  paid 
their  laft  office  of  love  towards  him,  in  at- 
tending his  interment  at  friends  burying- 
ground  at  Abington,  on  the  8^/7  ot  the  faid 
month,  at  which  time  a  folid  meeting  was 
held. 

An 


(     ^73     ) 

An  additional  Teflimony  concerning  Isaac 
Child,  from  Buckingham  Monthly- 
Meeting  in  Peanrylvaiiia. 

NOTWITHSTANDING  our  much  e- 
fteemed  friend  Ifaac  Child,  removed 
himfelf  and  family  from  within  the  compafs 
of  our  monthly- meeting  near  five  years  be- 
fore his  deceafe,  yet  we  find  freedom  to  give 
this  fliort  teftimony  concerning  him,  having 
been  favoured  to  fit  under  many  living  and 
powerful  tellimonies  deliver'd  by  him  whilfl 
among  us. 

We  are  fully  fatisfied  he  was  one  whom 
the  Lord  in  his  wifdom  faw  meet  to  make 
ufe  of  for  the  work  of  the  gofpel,  having 
fitted,  qualified  and  called  him  forth  when 
but  young,  to  publifli  the  glad  tidings  tliere- 
of ;  to  which  divine  call  and  holy  requiring, 
he  gave  up  in  obedience,  and  fuffered  not 
the  things  of  this  world  to  take  up  his  mind, 
but  in  true  fervency  of  zeal  and  love  for  the 
caufe  of  truth,  he  fpent  much  time  in  its 
fervice.  His  teflimony  was  living,  found 
and  delivered  with  divine  authority;  for  he 
handled  not  the  word  deceitfully,  nor  en- 
deavoured to  pleafe  itching  ears  j  but  as  a 
true  fervant  of  Jefiis,  waited  to  be  renewed- 
ly  endowed  with  power  from  on  high,  where- 
by he  was  directed  to  divide  the  word  aright, 
and  fpeak  home  to  the  dates  and  conditions 
of  the  people:  He  was  aifo  zcalouily  con- 
cerned for  the  promotion  of  difcipline  and 
T  good 


(  ^74  ) 
good  ofder  in  the  church ;  and  for  the  ma- 
nagement of  the  affairs  thereof,  he  appear- 
ed remarkably  well  qualified;  his  weighty 
admonitions  being  enforced  by  a  pious  life 
and  converiation.  May  we,  under  the  con- 
iideration  of  the  great  lofs  the  church  has 
fuflained  by  his  and  fome  others  deceafe,  be 
excited  fo  to  follow  their  footfteps,  that 
with  them  we  may  be  partakers  of  that  in- 
corruptible inheritance  which  is  referved  for 
the  righteous,  when  time  here  fliall  be  no 
more. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Buckingham  Monthly-Meet- 
ing in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  John 
Scarborough. 

HE  was  born  of  honeft  parents,  and 
educated  within  the  compals  of  this 
meeting ;  in  his  youth  was  fomewhat  airy, 
but  when  arrived  to  riper  years  he  embraced 
the  truth  and  appeared  clofely  to  follow  the 
dicftates  thereof  to  the  end  of  his  life. 

About  the  year  1740  he  appeared  in  the 
miniftry  and  experiencing  a  growth  therein, 
he  at  different  times  viiited  moll  of  the  nor- 
thern colonies,  in  which  fervices  he  always 
had  our  concurrence,  and  at  his  return  pro- 
duced certificates  of  friends  unity  with  his 
miiniftry  and  labours  of  love;  the  remem- 
brance wiiereot  yet  lives  as  a  memorial  iu 
the  minds  of  many. 

He 


(   '^IS   ) 

He  earneflly  laboured  for  die  good  and 
falvation  of  men,  and  tho'  not  learned, 
fpoke  with  great  propriety,  yet  plain  and 
familiar,  his  do(5lrine  being  found,  lively 
and  edifying,  which  being  adorned  by  a 
pious  life  and  innocent  converlation,  feafon- 
ed  with  true  charity,  made  him  juilly  e- 
fteemed  by  people  of  all  denominations. 

He  was  fteadily  concern'd  to  promote 
good  order  and  difcipline,  and  therein  to 
adl  uprightly  for  truth's  caufe  without  par- 
tiality. With  great  cheerfulnefs  giviui^  up 
much  of  his  time,  and  labouring  for  the 
reftoration  of  fuch  who  had  mifs'd  their 
way ;  and  altho'  he  ufed  great  plainnefs  in 
admonilhing  tranfgreffors,  feldom  gave  of- 
fence ;  being  a  man  of  remarkable  lelf-de- 
nial  and  endued  with  much  mildnefs,  made 
him  very  ferviceable  in  the  affairs  of  the 
church  in  general,  and  tended  to  fupport 
the  authority  of  truth. 

In  his  declining  years  he  was  affecfled 
with  bodily  weaknefs,  yet  his  zeal  for  the 
caufe  of  truth  did  not  abate,  but  the  life 
and  power  ufually  attending  his  miniflry 
rather  increafed.  In  his  laft  teilimony  at 
our  meeting,  he  was  highly  favoured,  the 
power  of  truth  riling  into  dominion;  with 
much  falutary  counlel  and  fatherly  admo- 
nition he  feemed  to  take  a  final  farewell  of 
his  brethren,  and  fervently  prayed  for  our 
prefervation.  As  his  departure  drew  nigh> 
he  often  exprefs'd  his  willingnefs  to  leave 
this  world,  faying,  *  He  did  not  know  any 
T  2  *  thing 


(    276    ) 

*  thing  that  remained  undone  to  compleat 

*  his  days- work,  and  that  no  cloud  nor  any 

*  thing  appeared  in  his  way.'  Fie  departed 
this  Hfe,  the  $th  of  the  fifth  month  1769, 
in  the  fixty-lixth  year  of  liis  age ;  and  as  a 
good  and  faithful  fervant,  we  doubt  not,  is 
entered  into  everlaiting  joy  and  happinefs. 
The  frefli  remembrance  of  his  loving  and 
kind  deportment  and  many  faithful  fervices, 
imprefs  our  minds  with  a  deep  fenfe  of  his 
worth  and  our  preat  lofs. 


ATeJlimony  from Gwy nedd  Monthly- Meetifig  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Mar  y  Evans. 

SH  E  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  in  or 
about  the  year  1695,  her  father  dying 
when  file  was  young,  Ihe  was  educated  by 
her  mother  in  the  principle  of  truth  as  pro- 
felTed  among  us ;  in  her  young  years  flie 
was  fober  and  grave  in  her  behaviour  and 
deportment;  and  about  the  time  ihe  came 
forth  in  the  Uiiniftry,  flie  went  through 
clofe  trials  and  deep  coniiidls,  as  we  have 
frequently  heard  her  relate,  in  which  the 
divine  arm  was  her  fupport,  brought  her 
through,  and  qualified  her  for  religious  fer- 
vice. 

In  the  year  1736,  flie  was  married  to  our 
worthy  friend  Owen  Evans,  and  thereby  be- 
came a  member  of  this  meeting.  Her  pub- 
lic appearances  were  not  very  frequent,  but 

when 


(  277  ) 
when  flie  fpoke,  her  teilimony  was  fervent, 
found  and  edifying,  her  condu(5l  and  con- 
verfation  being  agreeable  to  her  religious 
profefTion.  She  was  feveral  times  drawn 
forth  in  the  love  of  the  gofpel,  to  vifit 
friends  in  moll  of  the  provinces  on  this 
continent,  alfb  the  Ifland  of  Torcola,  which 
fhe  undertook  with  the  unity  of  her  friends 
at  home,  and  returned  with  clear  and  fatis- 
fa(5lory  accounts  of  her  labours  amongft 
thofe  whom  llie  vifited.  She  was  a  lover 
and  promoter  of  peace  and  good  order  in 
the  church  and  amongft  her  neighbours, 
and  was  frequently  engaged  in  that  weighty 
fervice  of  viliting  friends  families,  to  good 
fatisfadion.  In  the  year  1757,  ft^e  met 
with  a  clofe  exercife,  in  the  lofs  of  her  huf- 
band,  who  was  removed  from  her  by  death, 
which  ihe  bore  with  becoming  refignation. 
After  which,  ilie  lived  fome  years  with  her 
daughter,  who  was  married  and  fettled  in 
Philadelphia;  but  returned  back  again  with- 
in the  compafs  of  this  meeting,  frequently 
faying,  '  She  apprehended  it  to  be  her  duty, 

*  to  fpend   the    remainder  of  her  days   a- 

*  mongft  us;'  labouring  faithfully,  as  one 
that  forefaw  her  time  was  fhort.  Her  lait 
illnefs  was  lingering,  which  Ihe  bore  with 
becoming  refignation;  a  few  days  before 
her  death,  fome  friends  had  a  fitting  with 
her  in  her  chamber,  when  notwithftanding 
ihe  was  weak  in  body,  fhe  was  enabled  to 
fpeak  for  a  confiderable  time,  in  a  lively 
and  inftrudive  manner,  much  to  their  fatis- 

fadion. 


{    278    ) 

fadion.  She  departed  this  life,  the  20th  of 
tJie  fifth  moQth  1769,  and  was  interr'd  in 
friends  burying-ground  at  Gwynedd,  the 
zzd  of  the  fame. 


A  Tejlhnony  from  Middletown  Monthly-Meet' 
ing  in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Grace 
Croasdale. 

As  memorials  of  the  virtuous  lives  and 
a61:s  of  the  righteous  when  deceafed, 
may  afford  matter  of  help  and  encourage- 
ment to  furvivors  to  follow  their  pious  ex- 
amples; we  .^re  therefore  engaged  to  g-ve 
this  Ihort  teftimony  concerning  our  elleem- 
ed  friend  Grace  Croafdale. 

She  was  born  the  6//?  of  the  eighth  month 
1703,  of  reputable  parents,  members  of  this 
meeting,  who  brought  her  up  to  induftry 
and  plainnefs  in  fpeech  and  habit;  being 
married  young,  fhe  early  entered  into  the 
cares  of  a  family;  and  being  religiouily  in- 
clined, and  of  a  cheerful  atftive  difpofition, 
approved  herfelf  well  quahfied  for  fuch  a 
charge;  inftrucfting  her  children  and  family 
both  by  precept  and  example,  in  piety  and 
plainnefs,  as  well  as  the  neceffary  cares  of  life. 
As  flie  advanced  in  years,  Ihe  grew  in  religi- 
on, and  became  very  ferviceable  in  divers 
(lations  in  the  church.  About  the  year  1745 
llie  firft  appeared  in  the  miniftry,  in  the  ex- 
ercile  whereof  fhe  was  acceptable  and  edi- 
fying, 


(  279  ) 
fying,  exhortimg  all  to  the  true  love  and 
fear  of  God,  and  a  humble  attention  to  tli,e 
divine  principle  of  truth  in  themfelves ; 
adorning  her  dodlrine  by  a  life  and  conver- 
fation  anfwerable  thereto.  The  latter  part 
oF  her  time,  when  more  difengaged  from 
the  cares  of  a  family,  fhe  was  much  devoted 
to  the  fervice  of  truth,  and  occafionally  vi- 
lited  many  of  the  meetings  of  friends  in  our 
own  and  feveral  of  the  neighbouring  pro- 
vinces. 

She  was  a  peaceable  kind  neighbour,  a 
vifitor  and  fympathizer  with  the  fick  and 
affli(5led  whether  in  body  or  mind  ;  and  ap- 
peared eminently  qualified  for  that  weighty 
fervice  of  viliting  families,  in  which  fhe  was 
often  engaged,  not  only  within  the  compafs 
of  our  own  particular  meeting,  but  of  di- 
vers others,  to  general  fatisfadlion. 

Having  lived  in  much  love  and  unity 
with  friends,  flie  had  to  refledl  thereon 
with  great  peace  and  fatisfadlion  of  mind  in 
her  lafl  illnefs,  during  which  flie  was  fig- 
nally  favoured  with  the  incomes  of  divine 
love  and  heavenly  confolation ;  in  the  a- 
boundings  whereof,  fhe  was  frequently 
drawn  forth  in  thankfgivings  and  living 
high  praifes  to  the  Lord. 

She  departed  this  life,  the  23*^  of  the 
tenth  month  1769,  and  was  buried  the 
24^/?  of  the  fame,  hi  friends  burying-ground 
drt  Middlecowa, 


(     28o     ) 

A  l^e/lmony  fro7nlL\e{\\^m  Mont b/y- Meeting  in 
Ncw-Jerfey,  concerning  Josiah  Foster. 

E  was  bom  in  Rliodc-Ifland,  of  honefl 
parents,  who  died  whilfl  he  was  young, 
from  which  time  until  he  came  to  man's 
eflate,  we  have  no  account  of  him,  only 
that  Ibme  of  us  have  heard  him  fay,  he  was 
much  delighted  witli  mirth  and  vanity. 
Soon  after  his  arrival  at  manhood,  he  came 
into  New-Jerfey,  where  he  married,  and 
fettled  at  Evelham;  not  long  afterwards  he 
was  convinced,  and  efrecfluaiiy  reached  with 
the  power  of  truth,  through  the  living  mi- 
niftry  of  that  eminent  miniller  of  ^Chrifk 
Jelus,  Thomas  Wilfon;  and  by  the  operati- 
on of  divine  grace  in  his  heart,  he  gradually 
experienced  a  growth  therein.  Thus  ad- 
vancing in  true  obedience,  he  w^itnefTed  an 
overcoming  of  his  own  llrong  will  (as  fbme 
of  us  have  heard  him  relate  with  awful 
gratitude  to  the  divine  hand)  and  in  due 
time  he  became  a  father  and  elder  in  the 
church;  being  tenderly  concerned  for  the 
promotion  of  the  truth,  which  had  in  m.ea- 
fure  fet  him  free  from  the  body  of  fm  and 
death,  communicating  fuitable  advice  and 
counfel  to  inch  as  were  tender,  and  a  fliarp 
reprover  of  obilinate  finners ;  his  advice 
being  much  enforced  by  his  upright  uni- 
form condudl. 

In  converfation  he  was  free  and  open,  and 
eafy  of  accefs  :  In  meetings  for  worlliip  and 

difcipline 


(       28 1       ) 

difcipline  (which  he  diligently  attended 
whilft  of  ability)  his  deportment  was  aw- 
ful, reverent  and  unafFe(fledly  grave,  wait- 
ing for  the  arifing  of  life,  which  qualified 
him  to  be  of  great  fervice  in  the  fociety. 
He  was  of  a  benevolent  dilpofition,  his 
heart  and  houfe  being  open  to  entertain 
ftrangers,  efpecially  travelling  friends;  nor 
was  his  benevolence  confined  to  thofe  of  our 
own  fociety ;  for,  being  bleffed  with  afflu- 
ence, many  widows  and  fatherlefs  received 
his  hearty  aiTiitance.  He  was  well  beloved 
by  moft  or  all  who  were  acquainted  with 
him ;  his  converfation  and  condudl  truly 
demonftrated,  that  he  had  learn'd  to  do  to 
others,  as  he  would  be  done  unto;  which 
is  truly  worthy  the  imitation  of  all.  Being 
defirous  to  retire  from  the  cares  of  the  world, 
he  removed  to  Mount-Holly,  where  he  re- 
fided  until  he  was  taken  with  a  paralytick 
difbrder,  which  much  impaired  his  natural 
faculties,  after  which  he  return'd  to  his 
former  fettlement  at  Evefliam  under  the  care 
of  his  fon.  Altho'  his  diforder  render'd 
him  incapable  of  much  converfation,  yet 
he  gave  evident  figns  of  a  lively  fenCe  of  di- 
vine goodnefs  accompanying  him  to  the  laft; 
and  quietly  departed  this  life,  the  gtb  of  the 
firft  month  1770,  in  the  eighty-eighth  year 
of  his  age,  and  was  buried  the  iitb  of  the 
iame  month  at  Evefliam. 

A  Tejl'wiony 


{       282       ) 

A  Tcflimony    from    the    Monthly- Meeting    of 
Friends  in  Philadelphia,  concerning  Daniel 
Stanton. 

WHEN  John  the  Divine  was  in  exile 
in  the  ifle  of  Patmos,  "  He  heard 
**  a  voice  from  Heaven,  faying,  write, — 
"  blefled  are  the  dead,  who  die  in  the  Lord, 
'*  from  henceforth,  yea  faith  the  fpirit,  that 
*'  they  may  reft  from  their  labours,  and 
"  their  w^orks  do  follow  them;"  which  we 
believe  now  is  the  portion  of  our  worthy 
friend,  concerning  whole  faithful  fervices 
we  are  engaged  from  the  united  motives  of 
love  and  duty,  to  give  this  teftimony ;  de- 
liring,  that  all  who  read  it,  and  more  efpeci- 
ally  the  youth,  may  be  excited,  by  his  ex- 
ample, to  feek  an  early  acquaintance  with 
the  Lord,  and  to  take  up  their  daily  crofs 
in  the  prime  of  their  days.  Thus,  they  al- 
fo,  may  become  fliining  lights  and  inftru-^ 
ments  of  good  to  others. 

He  was  born  in  this  city,  in  the  year 
1708,  and  his  father  dying  before  his  birth, 
and  his  mother  a  few  years  after,  he  fufFer- 
ed  great  trials  and  hardfliips  when  very 
young:  Being  early  concerned  to  feek  the 
knowledge  of  God,  he  had  a  fervent  defire 
to  attend  religious  meetings,  though  fub- 
je6led  to  many  difficulties  and  diicourage- 
inents,  before  that  privilege  was  allowed 
him  ;  yet,  being  earneft  in  his  defires  to  ob- 
tain divine  favour,  he  wa5  eminently  lup- 

ported 


(  =83  ) 
ported  tinder  great  conflidls  and  probations, 
and,  continuing  faithful  to  the  degrees  of 
light  and  grace  communicated,  a  difpenfati- 
of  the  gofpel  miniflry  was  committed  to 
him,  fometime  before  the 'term  of  his  ap- 
prenticefhip  was  expired ;  and  abiding  un- 
der the  fandlifying  power  of  truth,  he  grew 
in  his  gift,  and  became  a  zealous  faithful 
minifter. 

He  was  very  exemplary  in  his  induflry 
and  diligence,  in  labouring  faithfully  at  his 
trade,  to  provide  for  his  own  fupport,  and 
after  he  married,  and  had  children,  for  their 
maintenance ;  and  was  often  concerned  to 
advife  others  to  the  fame  neceffary  care ; 
yet  he  continued  fervent  in  fpirit  for  the 
promotion  of  truth  and  righteoufnefs,  fo 
that  he  was  foon  engaged  to  leave  home, 
and  the  neareft  connections  of  nature,  to 
publiili  the  glad  tidings  of  the  gofpel,  and 
frequently  vifited  moil  of  the  meetings  of 
friends  in  this  and  the  adjacent  provinces, 
and  feveral  times  as  far  as  the  eaftern  parts 
of  New-England.  Having  thus  honeftly 
difcharged  his  duty  among  us  above  twenty 
years,  and  feeling  his  mind  conflrained  in 
the  love  of  the  gofpel,  to  vifit  the  few  friends 
who  remained  in  fome  of  the  Weft-India 
iflands,  and  from  thence  the  meetings  of 
friends  in  general  through  Great-Britain  and 
Ireland,  he  communicated  his  concern  to  a 
few  of  his  mod  intimate  friends,  who  having 
unity  therewith,  he  was  encouraged  to  lay 
it  before  our  monthly-meeting.     Before  he 

entered 


(    284    ) 

entered  on  this  weighty  lervice,  he  pafTed 
through  a  near  trial  and  afflidion  in  the 
deatli  of  his  beloved  wife ;  under  which 
exercife  he  was  gracioufly  fupported  by  the 
arm  of  divine  ilrength,  which  had  often 
been  revealed  for  his  help,  in  times  of  in- 
ward conflicts  and  outward  diftrefTes. 

His  concern  to  travel  in  the  fervice  of 
truth  continuing,  and  the  meeting  having 
full  unity  with  him  therein,  he  embarked 
in  the  fifth  month  1748,  accompanied  by 
our  dear  friend,  Samuel  Nottingham,  in  a 
veflel  bound  for  Barbados,  and  having  vi- 
iited  the  few  meetings  in  that  ifland,  they 
went  by  way  of  Antigua  to  Tortola,  where 
they  continued  ibm^etime,  having  fome  dif- 
ficulty to  get  a  pafTage  to  Europe ;  and  their 
voyage  thither  was  attended  with  fome  An- 
gular hazards  and  dangers,  which  occafion- 
ed  their  landing  in  Ireland ;  where  our  friend 
Daniel  continued  fome  months,  vifiting  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  that  kingdom ;  and 
after  he  apprehended  himielf  clear,  went 
over  to  England,  and  vifited  the  meetings 
generally  in  that  nation,  and  in  Wales  and 
Scotland,  where  his  meek  circumfpecfl  con- 
duct and  converfation,  and  lively  edifying 
miniflry,  rendered  his  vifit  very  acceptable, 
and  his  memory  precious. 

In  his  return  home,  and  for  fometime  af- 
ter, he  was  in  a  low  affli^led  ftate  of  mind ; 
being  apprehenfive,  that  through  difiidence, 
and  the  want  of  perfect  refignation  to  the 
divine  will,  he  had  omitted  fully  perform- 
ing 


{    ^85    ) 

ing  the  fervice  required  of  him,  by  not  t1- 
fiting  the  few  friends  in  Holland:  Yet  he 
was  mercifully  preferved,  and  after  a  time 
of  deep  exercife,  raifed  again  to  fing  of  the 
mercies  and  loving-kindnefs  of  God  on  the 
banks  of  deliverance. 

He  feveral  times,  with  other  friends  ap- 
pointed to  that  fervice,  vihted  the  families 
of  friends  in  this  city,  and  between  the 
years  1757  and  1760,  being  accompanied 
by  our  friend  John  Pemberton,  he  viiited 
the  families  of  friends  generally  within  the 
limits  of  our  meeting;  which  weighty  ex- 
ercifing  fervice,  he  was  enabled  to  perform 
to  our  edification  and  fatisfac^ion.  After 
which,  he  was  frequently  engaged  to  excite 
friends  to  this  ufeful  and  edifying  practice. 

In  the  twelfth  month  1760,  he  fet  out  on 
a  vifit  to  the  meetings  in  the  weftern  parts 
of  this  province,  and  from  thence  in  Mary- 
land, Virginia,  and  North  and  South-Caro- 
lina, and  returned  in  the  fixth  month  fol- 
lowing; fince  which  he  frequently  vifited 
many  of  the  meetings  near  home,  and  fome 
as  far  as  Long-Ifland,  and  other  parts  of  the 
province  of  New- York.  Within  the  laft  two 
years,  he  viiited  the  families  of  friends  of  fbme 
of  the  meetings  in  Weft-Jcrfey,  in  the  city 
of  New- York,  and  part  of  Long-Ifland  ;  and 
after  his  return  from  this  fervice,  with  great 
peace  and  fatisfacTiion,  he  exprefled  his  appre- 
henfion  that  he  was  now  clear  of  all  places, 
and  that  his  ftay  here  was  near  over  3  having 

an 


(    286    ) 

an  evidence,  that  he  had  been  faithfully  con- 
cerned from  his  youth  to  fear  and  ferve 
God. 

His  chief  labour  and  religious  exercifes 
were  in  this  city,  where  he  was  a  diligent 
attender  of  all  our  meetings,  and  often  on 
committees  appointed  on  the  fervices  of  the 
church  ;  in  which  he  was  folid  and  weighty 
in  fpirit,  waiting  for  the  fpringing  up  of 
life,  being  ileadily  concerned  both  in  and 
out  of  meetings,  to  live  near  the  divine  foun- 
tain: Thus  he  was  very  frequently  qualifi- 
ed, and  enabled  to  ftir  up  the  pure  mind, 
and  to  recount  the  gracious  dealings  of  God 
to  mankind,  and  as  a  faithful  embaffador 
to  warn  the  negligent  to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come,  and  to  excite  the  people  to  bring 
forth  fruits  anfwerable  to  the  great  mercies 
gracioufly  beflowed  on  us ;  and  was  fome- 
times  conftrained  to  declare  in  a  prophetic 
manner,  a  day  of  trial,  in  divers  inftances, 
very  fhortly  before  fuch  a  fealbn  came  to 
pafs. 

He  was  of  late  deeply  exercifed  in  con- 
fideration  of  the  evils  of  the  horfe  races, 
flage  plays,  drunkennefs,  and  other  grofs 
enormities  encouraged  and  increafingin  this 
city ;  clofely  exhorting  our  youth  againfl 
thofe  pernicious  and  deftrudlive  devices  of 
the  enemy  of  mankind ;  and  under  the  aw- 
ful fenfe  that  God  will  judge  and  puniHi  the 
wicked  and  evil  doers,  he  was  often  fervent 
in  public  fupplications,  that  the  Lord  would 
lengthen  out  the  day  of  hi?  merciful  vifitati- 

on. 


{    287    ) 

on,  and  yet  try  the  people  longer;  which 
feafons  were  folemn  and  humbling]  y  aifedl- 
ing;  manifefling,  that  although  he  was  very 
clofe  and  fliarp  in  reproof  againft  evil,  yet 
moft  tenderly  concerned,  that  the  traufgref- 
fors  of  the  righteous  law  of  God  might  be 
prevailed  with  to  repent,  return,  and  live. 

His  love  for  the  rifing  generation  was  ve- 
ry great ;  which  he  manifelled  by  his  affec- 
tionate notice  of  them,  and  efpecially  of 
thofe  who  were  religioufly  inclined,  and  his 
houfe  was  open  to  receive  fuch,  his  conver- 
fation  with  them  being  feafoned  with  grace, 
and  his  counfel  inilradlive  and  helpful  to 
thofe  who  had  feeking  deflres  after  the 
knowledge  of  truth,  often  lovingly  inviting 
them  to  come,  tafte,  and  fee,  that  the  Lord 
is  good ;  greatly  defiring,  that  all  who  pro- 
fefs  the  truth,  might  walk  agreeable  to  its 
di(!^ates  and  be  led  thereby,  as  our  worthy 
predecelTors  were,  into  that  meeknefs,  hu- 
mility, and  godly  fimplicity  and  plainnefs, 
which  rendered  them  confpicuous  and  llii- 
ning  examples,  and  that  none  might  reft 
fliort  of  the  enjoyment  of  the  life  of  religi- 
on, his  zeal  being  great  againft  fuch,  who 
have  the  form  of  godlinefs,  and  by  their 
a(5fions  manifeft  they  have  not  the  power 
thereof;  and  he  often  fervently  adv^is'd  and 
cautioned  thofe  who  are  eag(}rly  purfuing 
the  world,  and  by  the  furfeiting  cares,  and 
grafping  after  earthly  treafures,  fruftrate  the 
good  purpofeof  the  vifitation  of  divine  grace 
to  them,  and  clofely  reminded  thofe,    who 

in 


(     288     ) 

in  their  fmall  beginnings  were  low  and  hum- 
ble, that  now  they  were  abundantly  favour- 
ed, they  fliould  not  fet  their  afFedions  on 
things  below,  but  remember  the  rock  from 
whence  they  were  hewn;  and  his  concern 
was  great  that  thofe  who  had  the  glad  tidings 
of  the  gofpel  to  publifh,  might  be  true  ex- 
amples to  the  flock,  and  adorn  the  doclHirine 
they  had  to  deliver  by  a  circumfpedt  life 
and  converfation,  and  where  any  by  not 
fteadily  keeping  to  that  which  would  have 
preferved  them,  had  involved  themfelves  in 
difficulties,  either  by  letting  their  minds  out 
to  the  gains  and  profits  of  this  world,  or 
otherwife,  his  travail  was  great  for  fuch  that 
they  might  be  brought  through,  and  every 
cloud  and  mift  removed. 

He  was  much  employed  in  viliting  the 
fick  and  afHicffed,  to  whom  he  adminiftered 
his  fpiritual  advice  and  experience,  and  of- 
ten engaged  in  humble  prayer  for  their  fup- 
port ;  and  in  the  diftributing  to  the  necefTit- 
ous  according  to  his  circumilances,  he  ma- 
nifefted  his  benevolent  difpofition. 

As  he  had  been  many  years  under  great 
exercife  and  fufFering  of  fpirit  on  account 
of  the  ilavery  of  the  poor  Africans,  and 
frequently  bore  teflimony  againfl  that  un- 
righteous gain  of  oppreffion,  he  was  of  late 
fomewhat  relieved,  as  he  found  the  eyes  of 
the  people  become  more  open  to  fee  the  in- 
iquity of  the  practice;  and  he  died  in  faith, 
that  the  light  of  the  gofpel  will  fo  general- 
ly prevail,  that  the  profellors  of  chriftianity 

will 


f    289    ) 

ivill  find  it  their  duty  to  reftore  to  thefe  peo- 
ple rheir  natural  right  to  liberty,  and  to  in- 
flrud  them  in  the  principles  of  the  chriftian 
religion. 

On  the  ^th  day  of  the  fifth  month,  he 
was  violently  feized  with  the  bilious  cholic, 
and  continued  in  great  pain  ieveral  days ; 
but  afterwards  being  fomewhat  eafier,  he 
was  at  our  morning  and  evening  meetings 
on  firftday,  the  ii^th  of  the  month,  in  which 
he  was  much  favoured  in  his  public  mini- 
ftry,  and  exprefled  that  he  thought  his  time 
would  not  be  long  with  us.  After  this  day's 
labour,  he  was  again  confined,  yet  being  a 
little  recovered  he  was  atour  meeting  on  fifth- 
day,  the  24/^/j  of  the  month,  which  being 
fmall,  he  exprefTed  his  forrow  for  it,  and 
encouraged  friends  to  diligence  in  the  at- 
tendance of  week  day  meetings,  the  benefit 
of  a  faithful  difcharge  of  duty  therein  be- 
ing great;  the  next  day  he  was  at  our 
monthly-meeting,  and  to  his  own  and  our 
admiration  was  enabled  to  ftay  through  both 
our  fittings,  though  the  laft  of  them  was 
longer  than  ufual,  and  he  afterwards  ex- 
preiled  that  he  thought  himfelf  better  in  the 
meeting  than  when  out ;  it  was  a  feafon  of 
divine  favour,  and  fome  weighty  matters 
being  before  the  meeting,  he  with  great 
opennefs  fpoke  pertinently  and  clearly  to 
them,  encouraging  friends  to  the  liipporting 
and  maintaining  our  chnllian  tellimony, 
againll  all  that  is  contrary  to  it :  This  was 
the  laft  public  meeting  he  was  at,  being  t  ^^e 
U  next 


(      290      ) 

next  morning  early  feized  with  a  renewed 
attack  of"  the  fame  diforder,  which  increaf- 
ed  on  him  feveral  days,  and  was  fo  fixed, 
that  all  the  endeavours  of  feveral  fkilful 
phyficians  and  tender  nnrfes,  were  not  ef- 
fectual to  remove  it,  tho'  in  fome  meafure 
to  mitigate  the  pain,  that  he  fufFered  much, 
not  being  able  to  lie  down  in  his  bed  feveral 
weeks,  yet  thro'  all  he  was  mercifully  fup- 
ported,  in  much  refignation,  and  patience, 
rather  inclining,  if  it  was  the  Lord's  will, 
to  be  releafed. 

For  two  or  three  weeks  before  his  ficknefs, 
he  appeared  very  defirous  of  fettling  every 
thing  he  had  to  do  refpedling  the  affairs  of 
this  life,  and  defired  a  friend  to  review  and 
tranfcribe  the  fhort  memoirs  he  hath  left  of 
his  travels  and  religious  fervices,  and  to  write 
his  will,  which  he  executed  the  day  before 
he  was  firft  taken  fick,  and  then  appeared 
eafy  in  his  mind. 

During  the  time  of  his  ficknefs  he  often 
cxpreffed  his  concern  left  his  friends  ihould 
be  too  anxious  for  his  recovery,  faying,  if 
he  fliould  live  longer,  and  thro'  any  human 
frailty  or  infirmity  occafion  any  reproach, 
it  would  be  a  caufe  of  forrow  to  them. 

By  the  defire  of  his  friends  who  attended 
him,  he  rode  out  feveral  times,  tho'  not 
without  much  difficulty,  and  Ipent  the  two 
lail  days  of  his  life  at  the  houles  of  two  of 
his  intimate  friends.  As  he  drew  near  his 
end,  the  flrength  of  his  love  to  mankiud  in 
general,  and  his  friends  in  particular,  evi- 
dently 


(      291      ) 

dently  increafed,  much  defirlng  the  profpe- 
rity  of  truth,  and  when  a  meeting  time  came 
had  an  earned  defire  to  be  with  friends,  and 
particularly  the  day  before  his  departure. 

During  his  ficknefs,  he  frequently  ex- 
preiled  himfelf  in  a  very  feafonable,  inftruc- 
tive,  and  afFed:ing  manner;  and  the  even- 
ing of  the  iirflday  before  he  died,  feveral 
friends  coming  in  to  fee  him,  he  fpoke  a 
confiderable  time  to  them,  having  before 
been  defirous  of  fuch  an  opportunity  of  the 
company  of  his  friends,  to  fit  down  and 
wait  upon  God,  which  was  his  great  delight. 

The  laft  day  of  his  life  he  fpent  at  the 
houfe  of  his  friend  Ifrael  Pemberton,  at  Ger- 
mantown,  and  was  unufually  free  and  cheer- 
ful, even  till  ten  o'clock  at  night,  when  he 
undrelTed  himfelf,  and  went  into  bed,  re- 
marking on  lying  down,  that  he  had  not 
before  been  able  to  do  fo,  for  five  weeks  or 
upwards,  and  he  foon  after  fell  afleep,  but 
in  a  fhort  time  was  awakened  by  the  return 
of  pain  and  difficulty  of  breathing,  which 
thro'  his  ilinefs  he  had  been  much  afllided 
with,  fo  that  he  was  oblig'd  to  fet  up  in  bed, 
and  thus  continued,  at  intervals  freely  con- 
verfing  with  our  faid  friend,  who  fat  up 
with  him,  and  he  exprefled  his  great  thaak- 
fuluefs  that  his  head  was  preferved  free 
from  pain  and  !iis  underllanding  clear,  and 
tliat  though  it  had  been  a  time  of  clofe  trial 
and  dtep  probation,  he  could  fay  he  felt  the 
evidence  of  divine  flipport  ftiil  to  attend 
hun.  After  wiiich,  his  pains  increafing  he 
U  2  got; 


{      292      ) 

got  up  and  drefled  himfelf,  and  walking 
about  the  room  fometime,  fat  down  in  an 
eafy  chair,  in  which  he  fell  into  a  fweet 
ileep,  and  in  about  three  hours  departed 
without  figh  or  groan. 

Thus  died  this  righteous  man,  who  hav- 
ing fought  the  good  fight  and  kept  the  faith, 
finiilied  hiscourfe  in  full  unity  with  us,  and 
univerfally  beloved  by  his  fellow  citizens, 
on  the  2'^th  day  of  the  fixth  month  1770, 
in  the  (ixty-fecond  year  of  his  age  and  43<i 
of  his  miniftry.  His  body  was  the  next  day 
attended  by  a  large  number  of  people  of  di- 
vers religious  denominations  to  our  meeting- 
houfe,  and  afterwards  interr'd  in  friends 
burial-ground  in  this  city. 


A  Tcflimony  from  Warrington  Monthly-Meeting 
in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  John  Tho- 
mas. 

HE  was  born  in  Chefter  county  Penn- 
fylvania, in  the  year  1716,  of  believ- 
ing parents,  and  being  religioufly  inclined 
from  his  youth,  he  received  a  part  in  the  mi- 
niftry, whereto  being  faithful,  he  experi- 
enced a  growth  therein.  In  the  year  1766, 
he  removed  with  his  family,  and  fettled  in 
"Warrington  Townfliip,  York  county,  w^ith- 
in  the  limits  of  our  meeting:  And  tho'  his 
time  among  us  was  Ihort,  yet  we  have  this 
teftimony  to  bear  concerning  him;  that  his 

labours 


I   293   ) 

labours  of  love,  accompanied  with  an  ex- 
emplary condudl,  were  comfortable  and 
intruding  to  us. 

In  his  laftillnefs  (which  was  a  confumpti- 
on)  he,  at  times  in  the  beginning  of  it, 
complained  to  fome  of  his  intimate  friends, 
of  great  poverty  of  fpirit,  and  feemed  deep- 
ly engaged  to  wreftle  for  ftrength,  to  bear 
with  patience  the  prefent  difpenfation  :  And 
in  due  time  it  pleafed  the  father  of  mercies 
who  hears  the  fecret  cries  of  his  depending 
children,  to  caufe  the  mifts  to  be  difpelled, 
£0  that,  in  an  opportunity  which  fome 
friends  had  with  him  fome  little  time  before 
his  departure,  he  was  much  favoured,  and 
drawn  forth  to  *  Declare  of  the  tender  deal- 

*  ings  of  the  Lord  with  him,  from  his  youth 

*  unto  that  time ;  earneftly  exhorting  friends 

*  to  faithfulnefs,  efpecially  thofe  on  whom 

*  the  Lord  had  beftowed  a  gift  in  the  mini- 

*  flry ;'    faying,    '  He  had  loved  the  Lord 

*  from  his  youth,  that  he  had  a  fmall  gift 

*  in  the  miniftry  bellowed  upon  him,    in 

*  which  he  had  been  concerned  to  be  faith- 

*  ful,  and  now  he  felt  the  comfort  of  it ; 

*  feeling  the  ownings  of  the  divine  prefence, 

*  whereby  he  was  enabled  to  bear  with  pa- 

*  tience  his  bodily  afflicftion  ;  having  an  af- 

*  furance  of  immortal  reil ;    and  that  tho' 

*  in  the  beginning  of  his  illnefs,   from  the 

*  poverty  of  fpirit  that  attended  him,    he 
^  was  ready  to  conclude  that  the  Lord  had 

*  forlaken  him,  but  now  he  anfwered  him 
^  l;o  the  joy  of  his  heart,  and   he  had  lo 


{     294    ) 

*  magnify  liis  goodnefs,  feeing  his  wifdom 

*  therein,  in  v/eaning   his   affe(5lions   more 
'  thoroughly   from    all  lower  enjoyments* 

*  and  placing  them  on  things  above/ 

He  advifed  friends   to  humility,    faying, 

*  The  time  draws  near,  that  my  body  mud 

*  go  down  to  the  grave,  wherein  is  no  ex- 
'  altation ;  and  I  have  this  teftimony  to  bear 

*  for  the  Lord,  that  as  I  have  been  engaged 

*  to  love  him  and  walk  humbly  before  him, 

*  deiiring  he  might  give  me  ftrength,  not 

*  having  any  dependance  on  my  own  wif- 
'  dom,  I  have  found  him  to  flrengthen  me, 

*  and  now  find  him  to  be  near  me  in  this 

*  pinching  time,  and  comfort  me  with  the 

*  joys  of  his  prefence.'  Many  and  com- 
fortable were  the  exprefTions  which  flowed 
from  him,  tho'  weak  in  body,  and  fcarcely 
able  to  fpeak  intelligibly,  yet  flrong  and 
lively  in  the  inward  man.  In  great  fweet- 
nefs  of  fpirit  he  departed  this  life,  the  (^th 
of  the  fifth  month  1771,  and  on  the  nth 
of  the  faid  month,  his  corps,  accompanied 
by  a  large  number  of  friends  and  others, 
was  interr'd  in  friends  burying- ground  at 
"Warrington,  a  folemn  meeting  being  held, 
and  divers  living  teftimonies  borne,  to  the 
eificacy  of  that  divine  power  whiqji  gives 
viClory  over  the  world. 


A  lejltmonf 


(    295     ) 

A  Teflimony  from  Salem  Monthly- Meeting  in 
New-Jerfey,    concerning  Mary  Lippin- 

COTT. 

FROM  a  motive  of  love  and  efteem,  to 
the  memory  of  this  our  ancient  wor- 
thy friend,  and  that  furvivors  may  be  en- 
couraged by  fuch  pious  examples,  to  em- 
brace the  truth  and  perfevere  in  the  way  to 
falvation,  we  give  forth  this  teftimony. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  Henry  and  Eli- 
zabeth Burr,  by  whom  Ihe  was  religioufly 
educated,  we  believe  to  good  effecfl;  for  in 
her  very  young  years,  flie  clofed  in  with  the 
love  and  mercy  of  God  extended  to  her,  and 
did  not  incline  to  vanity  and  lightnefs,  but 
was  a  good  example  to  other  youths. 

She  married  young,  and  with  her  hui^ 
band  Jacob  Lippincott,  fettled  among  us* 
Her  exemplary  condudl,  as  a  wife  and  when 
a  widow,  both  in  the  church,  in  her  family, 
and  her  neighbourhood  gained  our  great 
efteem;  being  given  to  hofpitality  and  li- 
beral to  the  poor. 

She  was  an  earnefl:  traveller  in  fpirit  for 
the  caufe  of  truth  on  earth,  folid  and  weigh- 
ty in  her  deportment,  affable  and  inftruclive 
in  converfation,  frequently  imparting  fea- 
fonable  admonition  and  counfel  to  her  chil- 
dren and  others,  and  tho'  endowed  with 
fuperior  natural  underftandingj  was  not: 
exalted  therewith. 

la 


(    296    ) 

In  the  decline  of  life,  flie  underwent  much 
bodily  infirmity,  yet  diligently  attended 
meetings  when  of  ability,  where  fhe  was  a 
humble  waiter  for  the  arifmg  of  the  pure 
truth,  travelling  in  the  deeps  for  the  exalta- 
tion thereof;  well  qualified  for  fervices  in 
the  church,  a  true  mourner  in  Zion,  being 
grieved  for  the  corruptions,  vain  failiions, 
and  cuftoms  of  the  times,  and  in  obferving 
the  gaiety  and  lightnefs  apparent  in  fome, 
when  they  came  to  places  for  worfliip.  It 
fell  to  her  lot  in  the  courfe  of  her  time,  to 
meet  with  a  large  fhare  of  exercifes  and  tri- 
als, whicli  Ihe  bore  with  great  refignation; 
and  was  a  true  fympathlzer  with  thofe  un- 
der afflidlion  in  body  or  mind  whom  flie 
often  vifited.  Sometime  before  her  la(l  fick- 
nefs,  fhe  fignified  her  apprehenfion,  that 
her  day's  work  was  near  over;  and  departed 
this  life,  the  9/^  of  the  firft  month  1771, 
and  on  the  1 2th  was  interr'din  friends  bury- 
ing-ground  at  Pilefgrove;  in  the  feventy- 
third  year  of  her  age,  having  been  an  elder 
many  years. 


A  Te/limony  fromNew-CciOile  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Great- Britain,  concerning  William 
Hun  t. 

OU  R    dear  friend  William  Hunt,    of 
New-Garden,     in   Guilford    county, 
North-Carolina,    accompanied  by  his   ne- 
phew 


(  ^97  ) 
phew  Thomas  Thornboiough,  of  the  fame 
pi  ice,  being  on  a  religious  vifit  to  friends 
of  this  nation,  departed  this  life,  at  the  houle 
of  a  friend  near  New-Caftle  upon  Tyne. 
The  deep  regard  we  bear  to  his  memory  and 
eminent  fervices,  engageth  us  to  tranfmit 
the  following  teftimony  concerning  him. 

They  arrived  in  London  about  a  week  af- 
ter the  yearly-meeting  1771,  and  attending 
feveral  meetings  in  that  city,  proceeded 
nortliward,  vifiting  friends  in  divers  coun- 
ties in  England,  and  alfo  in  Scotland.  The 
emaing  winter  was  fpent  in  vifiring  York- 
ihire,  Lancaihire  and  Ireland,  returning  to 
London  in  time  to  attend  the  yearly-meet- 
ing there  in  1772  ;  then  attending  the  year- 
ly-m^eetings  in  Eifex,  Suffolk  and  Norfolk, 
and  proceeding  through  Lincolnlhire  to 
Hull,  they  took  fliipping  for  Holland,  and 
after  vifiting  the  few  friends  there,  they 
embarked  for  Scarborough,  but  by  contrary 
winds  landed  at  Shields,  the  2.^th  of  the 
eighth  month,  and  after  being  at  their  meet- 
ing on  the  26th  came  that  afternoon  to  the 
houle  of  a  friend  near  New-Caftle  upon 
Tyne. 

From  accounts  received,  and  our  own 
knowledge  of  his  condudl  and  miniftry,  we 
have  good  caule  to  believe,  that  in  all  his 
travels  in  Europe,  he  behaved  as  a  faithful 
minifter  of  Chrift,  exemplary  and  uniform 
in  condud,  of  a  weighty  deportment  and 
retired  fpirit,  his  converfation  was  grave 
and   inftiudive,     feafoned   with   love  and 

fweetnefs, 


{     298     ) 

fweetnefs,  which  rendered  his  company 
both  profitable  and  defirable,  his  miniftry 
■was  Uving  and  powerful,  deep  and  fearch- 
ing,  an  excellent  example  in  patiently  wait- 
ing for  the  clear  manifeftation  of  the  divine 
will,  and  careful  to  move  accordingly,  fo 
that  his  appearances  in  meetings  were  mofli- 
ly  accompanied  with  great  folemnity, ,  in 
which  he  flvilfuUy  divided  the  word,  being 
to  the  unfaithful  as  a  two  edged  fword,  but 
to  the  honeft  hearted  travellers  in  Zion,  and 
to  fuch  as  were  feeking  the  way  to  God's 
kingdom,  his  do(5lrine  was  truly  refrefhing. 
He  was  a  man  of  found  judgment,  quick 
of  apprehenfion,  and  deep  in  religious  ex- 
perience; and  altho'  he  was  only  in  the 
thirty-ninth  year  of  his  age,  yet  llich  was 
his  experience  and  ftability,  that  he  flood  as 
an  elder  and  a  father  in  the  church,  worthy 
of  double  honour. 

He  attended  the  meeting  atNew-Caftle,  on 
the  z'jth  of  the  eighth  month  1772,  in  which 
he  delivered  a  fliort  and  living  teftimony  in 
the  love  of  the  gofpel  to  his  friends  of  that 
place ;  that  afternoon  he  was  cheerful,  and 
expreffed  his  fatisfadlion  in  being  there,  and 
upon  being  aflied  what  place  they  intended 
for  next,  he  replied,  he  faw  no  further  at 
prefent  than  New-Caflle.  Next  day  he  was 
taken  ill,  which  was  not  apprehended  to  be 
the  Imall  pox  'till  the  fourth  day  of  his  ill- 
nefs ;  when  the  eruption  appeared,  he  laid 
to  his  companion,  '  This  hcknefs  is  nigh 
*'■  unto  death  if  not  quite  3'  his   companion 

figaified 


(     299    ) 

fignified  his  hope  that  it  might  not  be  fo,  he 
replied,  *  My  coming  hither  leems  to  be 
'  providential,   and  when  I  wait  I  am  in- 

*  doled  and  fee  no  further.*  At  another  time 
he  made  the  fame  remark  to  a  friend,  fay- 
ing, '  It  will  be  a  fore  trial  to  my  compani- 

*  on  if  I  am  now  removed/  He  alfo  men- 
tioned in  an  affecftionate  manner  his  dear 
wife  and  children  to  a  friend  who  attended 
him,  and  requefted  feme  counfel  and  advice 
(which  he  then  commuilicated)  might  be 
tranfinitted  to  them,  if  it  Ihould  pleafe  the 
Lord  to  remove  him,  which  was  according- 
ly done. 

On  the  third  day  of  his  illnefs,  two  friends 
from  the  country  came  to  viiit  him,  to 
whom   he  thus  exprefTed  himfelf,  viz.    *  I 

*  have  longed  to  lee  you  and  be  with  you, 
'  but  was  put  by,'  one  of  them  faid,  1  hope 
we  fliall  have  thee  with  us  yet;  he  anfwered, 
'  That  mull  be  left;'  the  friend  faid,  that 
whatever  atfliction  we  are  tried  with,  we 
may  yet  fee  cauie  of  thankfulnels  ;  he  repli- 
ed,   *  Great  caufe  indeed,  I  never  faw  it 

clearer,  O  the  wifdom!  the  wifdom  and 
goodnefs,  the  mercy  and  kindnefs  has  ap- 
peared to  me  wonderful,,  and  the  further 
and  deeper  we  go,  the  more  we  wonder ; 
I  have  admired  fince  I  was  cafj:  upon  this 
bed,  that  all  the  world  does  not  feek  after 
the  truth,  it  fo  far  tranfcends  all  other 
things.'  Two  friends  from  Northumber- 
land coming  to  vifit  him,  he  faid,  '  The 
'  Lord  knows  how  I  have  love4  you  from 


'  our 


(  300  ) 
our  firft  acquaintance,  and  longed  foryoup. 
growth  and  eftablifhment  in  the  bleiled 
truth ;  and  now  I  feel  the  fame  renewed 
afrefh ;'  and  faid,  *  He  much  defired  they 
might  fill  up  the  places  Providence  intend- 
ed, and  lay  up  treafure  in  Heaven,'  adding, 
What  would  a  thoufand  worlds  avail  me 
now?' 

The  diforder  was  very  heavy  upon  him, 
having  a  load  of  eruption,  under  which  he 
fliewed  great  fortitude  and  patience  even  to 
the  admiration  of  the  phyfician  andfurgeon 
who  attended  him;  his  mind  being  merci- 
fully preferved  calm,  and  refigned  to  his 
mailer's  will,  whofe  prefence  he  found  to  be 
near  him  in  the  needful  time,  faying,  *  It 
'  is  enough,  my  mafter  is  here;'  and  again, 

*  He  that  laid  the  foundation  of  the  moun- 

*  tans  knows  this,  if  it  pleafes  him  he  can 

*  remove  it ;'  at  another  time  he  faid  with 
great  compofure,   '  The  Lord  knows  beft,  I 

*  am  in   his   hands,    let  him  do  what  he 

*  pleafes.' 

Perceiving  a  friend  to  be  diligent  and  at- 
tentive to  do  what  (lie  could  for  him,  he  faid, 

*  The  Lord  refrefli  thy  fpirit,  for  thou  haft 

*  often  refreilied  this  body,  and  whether  I 

*  live  oi'  die,  thou  wilt  get  thy  reward.' 
After  the  ic  cood  fever  came  on,  finding 

himfelf  worfe,  he  faid,  '  M)'  life  hangs  upon 

*  a  thread.'  The  do(flor  being  feut  for,  he 
faid,  '  They  are  all  phyficians  of  no  value 
'  without  the  great  Ph)fician.'  A  friend  faid, 
1  know  thy  dependance  is  on  Inm,  he  an- 

fwered^^ 


(  30I  ) 
fwered,  *  Endrel)^.'  Under  {landing  diat 
two  friends  who  had  fat  much  by  him,  did 
not  intend  to  leave  him  that  night,  he  very 
fweedy  faid,  '  And  will  you  watch  with  me 
'  one  night  more?' 

On  being  aiked  how  he  did,  he  faid,  '  I 
^  am  here  pent  up  and  confined  in  a  narrow 
'  compafs,  this  is  a  trying  time,  but  my 
'  mind  is  above  it  all ;'  which  was  evident 
to  thofe  about  him,  who  were  fenfible  of 
praifes  and  fweet  melody  in  his  heart  when 
few  words  were  exprelfed. 

A  little  before  he  died,  he  faid  trium- 
phantly, '  Friends,  truth  is  over  all ;'  i'o  in 
great  peace  departed  this  life,  the  ()tb  day 
of  the  ninth  month  1772,  and  was  interr'd, 
in  friends  burying- ground  in  New-Caftle 
upon  Tyne,  the  nth  of  the  fame  month, 
accompanied  by  many  friends  ;  upon  which 
occaiion  a  folemn  meeting  was  held,  and. 
divers  teftimonies  borne  to  the  truth,  in  the 
fervice  of  which  he  lived  and  died,  an  ex- 
ample to  many  brethren.  A  minifter  24 
years. 


A  Tefllmony  from  Burlington  Monthly-Meeting 
in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  John  Wool- 
man. 

E  was  born  in  Northampton,  in  the 
L  county  of  Burlington,  and  province  of 
Weit-1'^ew-Jerfey,  m  the  eighth  month  1720, 

of 


(     302     ) 

of  religious  parents,  who  infl:ru(fl:ed  him  very 
early  in  the  principles  of  the  chriltian  religi- 
on, as  profelTed  by  the  people  called  Quakers, 
which  he  efteenied  a  blefling  to  him,  even  in 
his  young  years,  tending  to  preierve  him 
from  the  infedlion  of  wicked  children;  but 
through  the  workings  of  the  enemy,  and  le- 
vity incident  to  youth,  he  frequently  deviated 
from  thole  parental  precepts,  by  which  he 
laid  a  renewed  foundation  for  repentance, 
that  was  finally  fucceeded  by  a  godly  foi  row 
not  to  be  repented  of,  and  fo  became  ac- 
quainted with  that  fantflifying  power  which 
qualifies  for  true  gofpel  miniflry,  into  which 
lie  was  called  about  the  twenty- fecond  year 
of  his  age,  and  by  a  faithful  ufe  of  the  ta- 
lents committed  to  him,  he  experienced  an 
increafe,  until  he  arrived  at  the  ftate  of  a  fa- 
ther, capable  of  dividing  the  word  aright  to 
the  different  flates  he  miniftered  unto ;  dif- 
penfing  milk  to  babes,  and  meat  to  thofe  of 
riper  years.  Thus  he  found  the  efficacy  of 
that  power  to  arife,  which  in  his  own  ex- 
prelTions,  *  Prepares  the  creature  to  ftand 
'  like  a  trumpet  through  which  the  Lord 
*  fpeaks  to  his  people.'  He  was  a  loving 
hufband,  a  tender  father,  and  very  humane 
to  every  part  of  the  creation  under  his  care. 
His  concern  for  the  poor  and  thofe  in  af- 
fli(5lion  was  evident  by  his  vifits  to  them ; 
whom  he  frequently  relieved  by  his  afTillance 
and  charity.  He  was  for  many  years  deeply 
exercifed  on  account  of  the  poor  enflaved  A- 
fricans^  whole  caufe,  as  he  lometimes  men- 
tioned. 


(  3^3  ) 
tioned,  lay  almofl  continually  vipon  Kim, 
and  to  obtain  liberty  to  thofe  captives,  he  la- 
boured both  in  public  and  private;  and  was 
favoured  to  fee  his  endeavours  crowned  with 
confiderable  fuccefs.  He  was  particularly 
defirous  that  friends  ihould  not  be  inflru- 
mental  to  lay  burthens  on  this  opprefled  peo- 
ple, but  remember  the  days  of  fufFering  from 
which  they  had  been  providentially  delivered, 
that  if  times  of  trouble  ihould  return,  no  in- 
juftice  dealt  to  thofe  in  llavery  might  rife  in 
judgment  againft  us,  but,  being  clear,  we 
might  on  fuch  occalions  addrefs  the  Almigh- 
ty with  a  degree  of  confidence,  for  his  inter- 
pofition  and  relief,  being  particularly  careful 
as  to  himfelf,  not  to  countenance  llavery 
even  by  the  uleof  thofe  conveniencies  of  life 
which  were  furniflied  by  their  labour. 

He  was  defirous  to  have  his  own,  and  the 
minds  of  others,  redeemed  from  the  pleafures 
and  immoderate  profits  of  this  world,  and  to 
fix  them  on  thofe  joys  which  fade  not  away; 
his  principal  care  being  after  a  life  of  purity, 
endeavouring  to  avoid  not  only  the  groffer 
pollutions,  but  thole  alfo  which,  appearing 
in  a  more  refined  drefs,  are  not  fufficiently 
guarded  againll  by  fome  well  difpoled  peo- 
ple. In  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  was  re- 
markable for  the  plainnefs  and  fimplicity  of 
his  drefs,  and  as  much  as  pollible,  avoided 
the  ufe  of  plate,  coftly  furniture  and  feafting ; 
thereby  endeavouring  to  become  an  example 
of  temperance  and  ielf-denial,  which,  he  be- 
lieved himfelf  called  unto ;  and  was  favour- 
ed 


r  304  ) 

ed  with  peace  therein,  altho'  it  carried  the 
appearance  of  great  aufterity  in  the  view  of 
ibme.  He  was  very  moderate  in  his  charges 
in  the  way  of  bufinefs,  and  in  his  defires  af- 
ter gain  ;  and  tho'  a  man  of  indullry,  avoid- 
ed, and  flrove  much  to  lead  others  out  of  ex- 
treme labour,  and  anxioufnefs  after  perifha- 
ble  things;  being;  defirous  that  the  ftrength 
of  our  bodies  might  not  be  fpent  in  procuring 
things  unprofitable,  and  that  we  might  ufe 
moderation  and  kindnefs  to  the  brute  ani- 
mals under  our  care,  to  prize  the  ufe  of  them 
as  a  great  favour,  and  by  no  means  abufe 
them;  that  the  gifts  of  Providence  fhould  be 
thankfully  received  and  applied  to  the  ufes 
they  were  defigned. 

He  feveral  times  opened  a  fchool  at  Mount- 
Holly,  for  the  inftru(5lion  of  poor  friends 
children  and  others,  being  concerned  for 
their  help  and  improvement  therein:  His 
love  and  care  for  the  rifing  youth  among  us 
was  truly  great,  recommending  to  parents 
and  thofe  who  have  the  charge  of  them,  to 
chufe  confcientious  and  pious  tutors,  faying, 

*  It  is  a  lovely  fight  to  behold  innocent  chil- 

*  dren,'  and  that  *  To  labour  for  their  help 

*  againft  that  which  would  marr  the  beauty 
'  of  their  minds,  is  a  debt  we  owe  them.' 

His  miniftry  was  found,  very  deep  and 
penetrating,  fometimes  pointing  out  the  dan- 
gerous fituation  which  indulgence  and  cuf- 
tom  leads  into;  frequently  exiiorting  others, 
efpecially  the  youth,  not  to  be  diiconraged 
at  the  difBcalties  which  occur,  but  prefs  af- 
ter 


(     305     ) 

ter  purity.  He  often  exprefTed  an  earned  en- 
gagement that  pure  wiftiom  Ihould  be  at- 
tended to,  which  would  lead  into  lowlinefs 
of  mind  and  refignation  to  the  divine  will, 
in  which  (late  fmall  polIefTions  here  would 
be  fiifficient. 

In  tranfadling  the  affairs  of  difcipline,  his 
judgment  was  found  and  clear,  and  lie  was 
very  uieful  in  treating  with  thofe  who  had 
done  amifs;  he  vifited  fuch  in  a  private 
way  in  that  plainnefs  which  truth  dictates, 
fhewing  great  tendernefs  and  chriftian  for- 
bearance. He  was  a  conflant  attendcr  of  our 
yearly-meeting,  in  which  he  was  a  good  ex- 
ample, and  particularly  ufeful ;  aflifting  in 
the  bufinefs  thereof  with  great  weight  and  at- 
tention. He  feveral  times  vifited  moft  of  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  this  and  the  neigh- 
bouring provinces,  with  the  concurrence  of 
the  monthly-meeting  to  which  he  belonged, 
and  we  have  reafon  to  believe  had  good  fer- 
vice  therein,  generally  or  always  exprefling 
at  his  return  how  it  had  fared  with  him,  and 
the  evidence  of  peace  in  his  mind  for  thus 
performing  his  duty.  He  was  often  concern- 
ed with  other  friends  in  the  important  fer- 
vice  of  vifiting  famdies,  which  he  was  ena- 
bled to  go  through  to  fatisfa(5lion. 

In  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  minifters 
and  elders  for  this  quarter,  at  the  foot  of  a 
lift  of  the  members  of  that  meeting,  made 
about  five  years  before  his  death,  we  find  in 
his  hand- writing  the  following  obfervation 
and  refledions.  *  As  looking  over  the  mi- 
X  *  nutes 


(     3o6     ) 

*  nntes  made  by  perfons  wlio  have  put  off 

*  this  body,    hath  fometimes  revived  in  m-e 

*  a  thought  how  ages  pafs  away  ;  fo  this  HO: 

*  may   probably   revive  a  hke  thought  in 

*  fome,  when  I  and  the  reft  of  the  perfons 

*  abovenamed,  are  centered  in  another  ftate 

*  of  being.     The  Lord,  wlio  was  the  guide 

*  of  my  youth,  hath  in  tender  mercies  help- 

*  ed  me  hitherto;     he   hath  healed   m.e  of 

*  wounds,   he  hath  helped  me  out  of  griev- 

*  ous  entanglements  ;    he  remains  to  be  the 

*  ftrength  of  my  life;    to  whom  I  delirc  to 

*  devote  myfelf  in  time,  and  in  eternity.' 

Signed,    John  Wool  man. 
In  the  twelfth  month  T771,  he  acquainted 
this  meeting  that  he  found  his  mind  drav^rn 
towards  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in  fome 
parts  of  England,  particularly  in  Yorkfliire. 
In  the  lirft  month  1772,  he  obtained  our  cer- 
tificate,   which  v/as  approved  and  endorled 
by  our  quarterly-meeting,    and  by  the  half 
year's  meeting  of  minifters   and   elders   at 
Philadelphia.     He  embarked  on  his  voyage 
in  the  fifth  and  arrived  in  London  in  the 
iixth  month  following,  at  the  time  of  their 
annual  meeting  in  that   city.     During  his 
Ihort  vifit  to  friends  in  that  kingdom,  we 
are  informed  that  his  fervices  were  accepta- 
ble and  edifying.     In  his  laft  illnefs  he  ut- 
tered many  lively  and  comfortable  expreili- 
ons,  being   *  Perfedly  refigned,  having  no 
*  will  either  to  live  or  die,'  as  appears  by  the 
teftimony  of  friends  at  York  in  Great-Bri- 
tain, in  the  fuburbs  whereof,  at  the  hou 


r^ 


of 


(  so?  ) 
€>f  our  friend  Thomas  Prieftman,  he  died 
of  the  fmall-pox,  on  the  'jth  day  of  the 
tenth  month  1772,  and  was  buried  in  friends 
burying-ground  in  that  city,  on  the  ()th  of 
the  fame,  after  a  large  and  folid  meeting 
held  on  the  occafion,  at  tlieir  great  meeting- 
houfe,  aged  near  fifty-two  years  ;  a  minifler 
upwards  of  30  years,  during  which  time 
he  belonged  to  Mount-Holly  particular 
meeting,  which  he  diligently  attended  when 
at  home  and  in  health  of  body,  and  his  la- 
bours of  love  and  pious  care  for  the  prof- 
perity  of  friends  in  the  bleffed  truth,  we 
hope  may  not  be  forgotten,  but  that  his 
good  works  may  be  remembred  to  edificati- 
on. 

A  Teftimony  from  the  ^larterly- Meeting   at 
York  z«  Great-Britain,   concerning  John 

WOOLMAN. 

THIS  our  valuable  friend  having  been 
under  a  religious  engagement  for  fome 
time,  to  vifit  friends  in  this  nation,  and 
more  efpecially  vis  in  the  northern  parts, 
undertook  the  fame  in  full  concurrence  and 
near  fympathy  with  his  friends  and  bre- 
thren at  home,  as  appeared  by  certificates 
from  the  monthly  and  quarterly-meetings 
to  which  he  belonged,  and  from  the  fpring- 
meecing  of  minillers  and  elders,  held  at 
Philadelphia,  for  Pennfylvania  and  New- 
Jerfey, 

X  2  He 


(     3o8     ) 

He  arrived  in  the  city  of  London  the  be- 
ginning of  the  laft  yearly-meeting,  and  after 
attending  that  meeting  travelled  northward, 
vifiting  the  quarterly-meetings  of  Hertford- 
fhire,  Buckinghamlliire,  Northamptonlhire, 
Oxfordfliire  and  Worcefterfhire,  and  divers 
particular  meetings  in  his  way. 

He  vifited  many  meetings  on  the  wefl-fide 
of  this  county,  alfo  fome  in  Lancalliire  and 
Wellimoreland,  from  whence  he  came  to  our 
quarterly-meeting  in  the  laft  ninth  month, 
and  though  much  out  of  health,  yet  was  en- 
abled to  attend  all  the  fittings  of  that  meet- 
ing except  the  lail. 

His  diforder  then,  which  proved  the  fmall- 
pox,  increafed  ipeedily  upon  him,  and  was 
very  afflicting ;  under  which  he  was  fupport- 
ed  in  much  meeknefs,  patience,  and  chrifti- 
an  fortitude ;  to  thofe  who  attended  him  in 
his  illnefs,  his  mind  appeared  to  be  centered 
in  divine  love  ;  under  the  precious  influence 
whereof,  we  believe  he  finiflied  his  courfe, 
and  entered  into  the  manfions  of  everlafling 
reft. 

In  the  early  part  of  his  illnefs  herequefted 
a  friend  to  write  and  he  broke  forth  thus. 
*  O  Lord  my  God !  the  amazing  horrors 
of  darknefs  were  gathered  around  me  and 
covered  me  all  over,  and  I  faw  no  way  to 
go  forth  J  1  felt  the  mifery  of  my  fellow 
creatures  feparated  from  the  divine  har- 
mony and  it  was  heavier  than  I  could 
bear,  and  I  was  cruflied  down  under  it;  I 
lijfted  up  my  hand,  and  ftretched  out  my 

'  arm. 


(     309     ) 
'   arm,  but  there  was  none  to  help  me;    I. 
'  looked  round  about  and  was  amazed:   In 

*  the  depths  of  mifcry,  O  Lord !   1  remem- 

*  bred  that  thou  art  omnipotent,  that  I  had 

*  called  thee  father,  and  I  felt  that  I  loved 

*  thee,  and  I  was  made  quiet  in  thy  will, 

*  and  I  waited  for  deliverance  from  thee; 

*  thou  hadft  pity  upon  me,  when  no  man 
'  could  help  me  ;   I  faw  that  meeknefs  under 

*  fufFering  was  ihewed  to  vis  in  the  moll  af- 

*  fedling  example  of  thy  fbn,  and  thou  waft 

*  teaching  me  to  follow  him,  and  I  faid,  thy 
'  will  O  father,  be  done.' 

Many  more  of  his  weighty  expreffions 
might  have  been  inferted  here,  but  it  ^as 
deemed  unnecefTary,  they  being  already 
publiflied  in  print. 

He  was  a  man  endued  with  a  large  natu- 
ral capacity,  and  being  obedient  to  the  ma- 
nifeftations  of  divine  grace,  having  in  pati- 
ence and  humility  endured  many  deep  bap- 
tifms,  he  became  thereby  land:ified  and  fitted 
for  the  Lord's  work,  and  was  truly  fervice- 
able  in  his  church;  dwelling  in  awful  fear 
and  watchfulnefs,  he  was  careful  in  his  pub- 
lic appearances  to  feel  the  patting  forth  of 
the  divine  hand,  fo  that  the  fpring  of  the 
gofpel  miniftry  often  flowed  through  him 
with  great  fweetnefs  and  purity,  as  a  refrefli- 
ing  ftream  to  the  weary  travellers  towards 
the  city  of  God:  Skilful  in  dividing  the 
word,  he  was  furnillied  by  him  in  whom 
are  hid  all  the  treafures  of  wifdomand  know- 
ledge, to  communicate  freely  to  the  feveral 

dates 


(    3^0    ) 

dates  of  the  people  where  his  lot  was  cafl. 
His  condu(fl:  at  other  times  was  feafoned 
with  the  like  watchful  circumfpedtion  and 
attention  to  the  guidance  of  divine  wifdom, 
wiiich  rendered  his  whole  converfation  uni- 
formly edifying. 

He  was  fully  perfuaded  that  as  the  life  of 
Chrift  comes  to  reign  in  the  earth,  all  abufe 
and  unneceffary  opprefTion,  both  of  the  hu- 
man and  brute  creation  will  come  to  an  end ; 
but  under  the  fenfe  of  a  deep  revolt,  and  an 
overflowing  ftream  of  unrighteoufnefs,  his 
life  has  been  often  a  life  of  mourning. 

He  was  deeply  concerned  on  account  of 
that  inhuman  and  iniquitous  pradlice  of 
making  ilaves  of  the  people  of  Africa,  or 
holding  them  in  that  (late ;  and  on  that  ac- 
count we  underftand  he  hath  not  only  wrote 
fdme  books,  but  travelled  much  on  the  con- 
tinent of  America,  in  order  to  make  the  Ne- 
gro mafters  (efpecially  thofe  in  profeffion 
with  us)  feniible  of  the  evil  of  fuch  a  prac- 
tice; and  though  in  this  journey  to  England, 
he  was  f:ir  removed  from  the  outward  fight 
of  their  fufFerings,  yet  his  deep  exercile  of 
mind  remained,  as  appears  by  a  fhort  trea- 
tife  he  wrote  in  this  journey,  and  his  fre- 
quent concern  to  open  the  miferable  flate  of 
this  deeply  injured  people:  His  teftimony  in 
the  lafl  meeting  he  attended  was  on  this  fub- 
jecfl:,  wherein  he  remarked,  that  as  we  as  s, 
fociety,  when  vmder  outward  fufferings, 
had  often  found  it  our  concern  to  lay  them 
before  thofe  in  authority,  and  thereby  in 

the 


(     311     ) 

the  Lord's  time,  had  obtained  relief,  {b  he 
recommended  this  oppreffed  part  of  the  cre- 
ation to  our  notice,  that  we  may  as  way 
may  open,  reprefent  their  fufferings  in  an 
individual,  if  not  a  fociety,  capacity  to  thofe 
in  authority. 

Deeply  fenlible  that  the  dellre  to  gratify 
people's  inclinations  inluxury  andfuperflui- 
ties,   is  the  principal  ground  of  oppreffion, 
and  the  occalion  of  many  unnecelTary  wants, 
he  believed  it  to  be  his  duty  to  be  a  pattern 
of  great  felf-denial,  with  refpecft  to  the  things 
of  this   life,  and   earneflly  to  labour  with 
friends  in  the  meeknefs  of  wifdom,  to  im- 
prefs  on  their  rninds  the  great  importance  o£ 
our  tedimonyin  thefe  things,  recommending 
to  the  guidance  of  the  bleffed  truth  in  this 
and  all  other  concerns,  and  cautioning  fuch 
as  are  experienced  therein,  againfl  contenting 
tliemfelves  with  acfting  up  to  the  ftandard  of 
others,  out  to  be  careful  to  make  the  ftand- 
ard  of  truth  manifelled  to  them,  the  uieafure 
of  their  obedience ;  for  faid  he,  ^  That  pu- 

*  rity  of  life  which  proceeds  from  faithful- 
'  nels  in  following  the  fpirit  of  truth,  that 

*  flate    where  oui*    minds  are    devoted    to 

*  ferve  God,  and  all  our  wants  are  bounded 
'  by  his  wifdom;  this  habitation  has  often 
'  been  opened  before  me  as  a  place  of  re- 

*  tirement  for  the  children  of  the  light,  where 

*  they  may  (land  feparated  from  that  which 
'  diforderetli   and  confufeth  the  affairs   oF 

*  fociety,  and  where  we  may  have  a  tefli- 

*  mony  of  our  innocence  in  the  hearts  o£ 
^  thofe  who  behold  us.' 

We 


(       312       ) 

We  conclude  with  fervent  defires,  that 
we  as  a  people  may  thus,  by  our  example, 
promote  the  Lord's  work  in  the  earth  ;  and 
our  hearts  being  prepared,  may  unite  in 
prayer  to  the  great  Lord  of  the  harveii:,  that 
as  in  his  infinite  wifdom  he  hath  greatly 
ftripped  the  church,  by  removing  of  late 
divers  faithful  minifters  and  elders,  he  may 
be  pleafed  to  fend  forth  many  more  faithful 
labourers  into  his  harvefl. 

The  foil onxmig  Minutes  offome  of  his  Exprefftons 
in  the  time  of  his  f  chiefs^  were  prejerved  by 
our  friend  Thomas  Prieftman  and  others 
*who  attended  him,    viz. 

FOURTH-DAY  morning,  30//jofthc 
ninth  month  1772,  being  allied  how  he 
felt  himfelf,  he  meekly  anfwered,  I  don't 
know  that  I  have  flept  this  night,  I  feel  the 
diforder  making  its  progrefs,  but  my  mind 
is  mercifully  prelerved  in  ftillnefs  and  peace ; 
Sometime  after  he  laid  he  was  fenlible  the 
pains  of  death  muft  be  hard  to  bear,  but  if 
he  efcaped  them  now,  he  mufl:  fometime  pafs 
thro'  them,  and  he  did  not  know  that  he 
could  be  better  prepared,  but  had  no  will  in 
it.  He  faid  he  had  lettled  his  outward  af- 
fairs to  his  mind,  had  taken  leave  of  his  wife 
and  family  as  never  to  return,  leaving  them 
to  the  divine  protecftion ;  adding,  and  tho'  I 
feel  them,  near  to  me  at  this  time,  yet  I  free- 
ly give  them  up,  having  a  hope  that  they 

will 


(     313     ) 

will  be  provided  for.  And  a  little  after  faid, 
This  trial  is  made  eaiier  than  I  could  have 
thought,  my  will  being  wholly  taken  away; 
for  if  I  was  anxious  for  the  event  it  would 
have  been  harder,  but  I  am  not,  and  my 
mind  enjoys  a  perfect  calm. 

In  the  night  a  young  woman  having  giv- 
en him  fomething  to  drink,  he  faid,  My  child 
thou  feems  very  kind  to  me  a  poor  creature, 
the  Lord  will  reward  thee  for  it.  Awhile  af- 
ter he  cried  out  with  great  earneflnefs  of  fpi- 
rit.  Oh  my  father !  my  father !  and  foon  af- 
ter he  faid,  Oh  my  father !  my  father !  how 
comfortable  art  thou  to  my  foul  in  this  try- 
ing feafon.     Being  ailced  if  he  could  take  a 
little  nourifliment ;  after  fome  paufe  he  re- 
plied, my  child  I  cannot  tell  what  to  fay  to 
it;  I  feem  nearly  arrived  where  my  foul  Ihall 
have  reft  from  all  its  troubles.   After  giving 
in  fomething  to  be  inferted  in  his  journal, 
he  faid,  I  believe  the  Lord  will  now  excufe 
me  from  exercifes  of  this  kind  ;  and  I  fee  no 
work  but  one  which  is  to  be  the  laft  wrought 
by  me  in  this  world,  the  mefTcnger  will  come 
that  will  releafe  me  from  all  thefe  troubles  ; 
but  it  muft  be  in  the  Lord's  time,  which  I 
am  waiting  for.  He  faid  he  had  laboured  to 
do  whatever  was  required,  according  to  the 
ability   received,    in    the    remembrance  of 
which  he  had  peace ;    and  tho'  the  diforder 
was  ftrong  at  times,  and  would  like  a  whirl- 
wind come  over  his  mind ;  yet  it  had  hither- 
to been  kept  fteady  and  centered  in  everlaft- 
ing  love  J  adding,  and  if  that  be  mercifully 

continued, 


(    314    ) 

continued,  I  aflc  nor  define  no  more.     An- 
other time  he  faid,  he  had  long  had  a  view 
of  vifiting  this  nation,  and  fometime  before 
he    came  had  a  dream,    in  which   he  law 
himfelf  in  the  northern  parts  of  it,  and  that 
the  fpring  of  the  gofpel  was  opened  in  him 
much  as  in  the  beginning  of  friends,  fuch  as 
George  Fox  and  WiUiam  Dewfbury,  and  he 
faw  the  different  ftates  of  the  people,  as  clear 
as  he  had  ever  feen  flowers  in  a  garden ;  but 
in  his  going  along  he  was  fuddenly  ftopt, 
tho'  he  could  not  fee  for  what  end;     but 
looking  towards  home,    fell  into  a  flood  of 
tears,  which  waked  him. 

At  another  time  he  faid,  my  draught  feem- 
ed  (Irongefl:  towards  the  north,  and  I  men- 
tioned in  my  own  monthly-meeting,  that 
attending  the  quarterly-meeting  at  York, 
and  being  there  looked  like  home  to  m^e. 

Fifth-day  night,  having  repeatedly  con- 
fented  to  take  medicine  with  a  view  to  fettle 
his  flomach,  but  without  efFed:;  the  friend 
then  waiting  on  him,  faid  thro'  diitrefs, 
whatfliall  I  do  now  ?  He  anfwered  with  great 
com pof lire,  Rejoice  evermore,  and  in  every 
tiling  give  thanks  ;  but  added  a  little  after^ 
this  is  fometimes  hard  to  come  at. 

.Sixth-day  morning  he  broke  forth  early  in 
fupplicatlon  on  this  wife,  OLord  it  was  thy 
power  that  enabled  me  to  forfake  fin  in  my 
youth,  and  I  have  felt  thy  bruifes  for  dif- 
-obedience;  but  as  I  bowed  under  them  thou 
-healed  me,  continuing  a  father  and  a  friend ; 
I  feel  thy  powa'  now,  and  I  beg  that  in  thq 

approaching 


(     315     ) 

approaching  trying  moment  thou  wilt  keep 
my  heart  ftedfaft  unto  thee.  Upon  his  giv- 
ing direcflions  to  a  friend  concerning  fome 
little  things,  fhe  faid  I  will  take  care,  buc 
hope  thou  wilt  live  to  order  them,  thyfelf ; 
he  reply'd,  my  hope  is  in  Chrifl,  and  tho'  I 
may  feem  a  little  better,  a  change  in  the  dif- 
order  may  foon  happen,  and  my  little  ftrength 
be  diflblved,  and  if  it  fo  happens,  I  fliall  be 
gathered  to  my  everlaflingreft.  On  her  fay- 
ing fhe  did  not  doubt  that,  but  could  not 
help  mourning  to  fee  fb  many  faithful  fer- 
vants  removed  at  fo  low  a  time ;  he  faid  all 
good  Cometh  from  the  Lord,  whofe  power  is 
the  fame,  and  can  work  as  he  fees  bed.  The 
fame  day  he  had  given  directions  about 
wrapping  his  corpfe ;  perceiving  a  friend  to 
weep,  he  faid  I  would  rather  thou  wouldll 
guard  againft  weeping  for  me,  my  fifter,  I 
Ibrrow  not,  tho'  I  have  had  fome  painful  con- 
fiicfts,  but  now  they  feem  over  and  matters 
well  fettled,  and  I  look  at  the  face  of  my 
dear  redeemer,  for  fweet  is  his  voice  and 
his  countenance  is  comely. 

Firll'day,  A^th  of  the  tenth  month,  being 
very  weak  and  in  general  difficult  to  be  un- 
derllood,  he  uttered  a  few  words  in  comme- 
moration of  the  Lord's  goodnefs  ;  and  add- 
ed, how  tenderly  have  1  been  waited  on  in 
this  time  of  aiHidlion,  in  which  I  may  fay 
in  Job's  words.  Tedious  days  and  wearifome 
nights  are  appointed  unto  me,  and  how  ma- 
ny are  fpending  their  time  and  money  in 
^'anity  and   fuperiluitieSj    while  thoufands 

and 


{    3«6    ) 

and  tens  of  thoufands  want  the  neceffarles  of 
life,  who   might  be  relieved  by  them,  and 
their  diftrefTes  at  fuch  a  time  as  this,  in  fome 
degree  foftened  by  the  adminiftring  fuitable 
things. 

Second-day  morning  the  apothecary  who 
appeared  very  anxious  to  aiTifl  him,  being 
prefent,  he  queried  about  the  probabiUty  of 
iuch  a  load  of  matter  being  thrown  off  his 
weak  body,  and  the  apothecary  making  fome 
remarks  implying  he  thought  it  might;  he 
fpoke  with  an  audible  voice  on  this  wife, 
My  dependance  is  on  the  Lord  Jefus,  who  I 
truft  will  forgive  my  (ins,  which  is  all  1  hope 
for,  and  if  it  be  his  will  to  raife  up  this  body 
again,  I  am  content ;  and  if  to  die,  I  am  re- 
ligned  ;  and  if  thou  canft  not  be  eafy  with- 
out trying  to  afTifl  nature,  I  fabmit.  After 
which  his  throat  was  fo  much  afFe6led,  that 
it  was  very  difficult  for  him  to  fpeak  fo  as  to 
be  underftood,  and  frequently  wrote  when 
he  wanted  any  thing.  About  the  fecond 
hour  on  fourth-day  morning  he  afked  for 
pen  and  ink,  and  at  feveral  times  with  much 
difficulty  wrote  thus,  I  believe  my  being 
here  is  in  the  wifdom  of  Chrift,  1  know  not 
as  to  life  or  death. 

About  a  quarter  before  fix  the  fame  morn- 
ing he  feemed  to  fall  into  an  eafy  fleep,  which 
continued  about  half  an  hour,  whenfeeming 
to  awake,  he  breathed  a  few  times  with  more 
difficulty,  and  expired  without  figh,  groan, 
or  flrnggle. 

A  Tejlimony 


(     317     ) 

A  Tejlimany  from  Derby  Monthly- Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  William 
H  o  R  N  E. 

HE  was  born  in  the  county  of  SuiTex, 
Great-Britain,  in  the  year  1714,  and 
came  with  his  parents  to  Philadelphia  about 
the  year  1724;  in  1736  he  came  to  refide  in 
this  townlhip,  where  he  continued  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life.  He  married  in  1737, 
and  in  1746  he  appeared  in  public  teflimo- 
ny  in  our  religious  meetings,  and  being 
obedient  to  the  heavenly  call,  became  an 
able  minifter  of  the  gofpel. 

In  the  year  1752  he  vifited  the  meetings 
of  friends  in  New-England;  and  in  the 
fourth  month  1763  embark'd  for  Great-Bri- 
tain, where  he  vifited  the  meetings  general- 
ly in  England  and  fome  part  of  Wales,  re- 
turning home  in  the  tenth  month  1764,  to 
the  great  fatisfadion  of  his  family  and 
friends.  He  alfo,  at  feveral  other  times,  vi- 
fited mod  of  the  meetings  in  Pennfylvania 
and  New-Jerfey,  and  the  back  parts  of  Ma- 
ryland and  Virginia ;  it  appearing,  by  cer- 
tificates produced,  that  his  labours  of  love 
were  acceptable  to  friends. 

His  minifterial  labours  were  frequent,  live- 
ly and  edifying,  adorning  the  dodlrine  he 
preached  by  a  circumfpedl  life  and  conver- 
lation,  being  zealoufly  concerned  for  the 
maintenance  of  good  order  in  the  church,  a 
^ood  example  in  his  family,  careful  to  bring 

up 


(    3i8    ) 

wp  his  cliildren  in  diligently  attendiog  reli- 
gious meetings,  and  manifefting  his  care  in 
divers  refpeds  for  their  prefent  and  future 
welfare.  Kind  and  hofpitable  to  friends,  his 
houfe  and  heart  being  open  for  their  recep- 
tion. 

He  departed  this  life,  at  his  own  habita- 
tion, the  nth  of  the  eleventh  month  1772, 
in  the  fifty-ninth  year  of  his  age  and  the 
2.6th  of  his  miniftry,  and  was  interred  in 
friends  burying-ground  at  Derby  aforefaid. 


ssassafiEinB 


A  Teflhnony  from\AXx\^  Egg-Harbour  iVTowZ/j/y- 
Meeting  in  New-Jerfey,  cGncerning  John 

RiDGWAY. 

[T  E  was  born  in  the  county  of  Burling- 
1  ton,  in  Well-New-Jeriey,  in  the  year 
1 70 J,  and  foon  after  came  with  his  parents 
and  fettled  within  the  compafs  of  this  meet- 
ing: He  was  reiigioufly  educated,  which  as 
he  grew  in  years,  had  a  good  effe6l,  by  his 
viekling  obedience  to  the  heavenly  viiion  of 
XwXiX.  and  irrace  in  his  own  mind,  which 
weaned  him  from  the  vanities  of  the  world. 
He  was  a  fteady  and  conftant  attender  of 
meetings  when  at  home  and  in  health;  and 
aklio'  his  circumftances  in  life  made  him 
apprehend  it  neceflary  to  follow  the  fea  for 
a  time,  yet  by  attending  to  the  divine  prin- 
ciple of  grace,  he  was  prefer ved  from  that: 
extravagance  in  his  conduct  and  converfati- 


(     319    ) 

on  too  prevalent  in  men  in  that  budnefs. 
He  was  early  in  life  appointed  to  the  ftatloa 
of  an  elder  in  the  church,  in  which  he  con- 
ducted with  reputation  ;  being  of  a  benevo- 
lent fpirit,  his  heart  and  houfe  v^ere  open 
to  entertain  his  friends  and  others,  cheerful- 
ly and  liberally  affifliing  the  poor  in  many 
refpecls  ;  and  in  an  extenlive  commerce  and 
converfation  amongfl  men  of  various  ranks, 
he  demeaned  himfelf  with  a  becoming  gra- 
vity, which  render'd  him  truly  worthy  of 
efteem.  He  was  carefully  concerned  that 
his  children  and  other  youth,  might  partake 
of  the  benefits  of  a  fober  education  ;  and  in 
his  declining  years,  was  much  aiHidled  with 
bodily  indifpofition,  which  he  was  enabled 
to  bear  with  patience  and  relignation;  often 
cxprcfTing  a  delire  to  be  contented  in  the 
divine  will. 

He  quietly  departed  this  life,  on  the  iijl 
of  the  fifth  month  1774,  aged  near  feventy 
years,  and  was  buried  at  Egg-Harbour. 


A  TePJmony  from  Plainfield  Monthly-Meeting  in 
New-Jerfey,  concerning  John  Vail. 

U  R  worthy  and  much  efteemed  friend 
John  Vail,  was  born  at  Weft-Cheiler, 
in  the  province  of  New-York,  and  removed 
from  thence  while  young  to  Woodbridge, 
where  he  fettled  and  married.  He  was  when 
a  youth,    reached  by  the  power  of  truth, 

and 


(       320       ) 

and  fubmitring  to  the  crofs,  he  became  fo- 
ber  and  rehgious;  and  continuing  faithful 
and  obedient  to  what  he  beUeved  to  be  his 
duty,  the  Lord  in  infinite  mercy,  was 
pleafed  to  bellow  on  him,  a  gift  in  the  gof- 
pel  miniftry,  and  he  proving  faithful  with 
the  one  talent,  witneHed  an  increafe  and 
growth  in  the  truth,  and  was  enlarged  in 
his  pubHc  teftimony,  whereby  the  church 
was  edified,  and  the  faithful  comforted. 
Having  a  regard  to  the  putting  forth  of  the 
divine  hand,  he  waited  in  meetings  for  pro- 
per qualifications  to  minifter  in  the  ability 
that  God  gives,  whereby  he  was  often  ena- 
bled, not  only  to  reprove  the  unrighteoul- 
nefs  of  men,  but  to  fpeak  comfortably  to 
thofe  who  mourned  for  the  pride  and  abo- 
minations of  the  times.  He  often  mention- 
ed the  plainnefs  and  fimplicity  which  our 
forefathers  appeared  in,  and  was  forrow- 
fully  affecfted  for  many  of  the  prefent  gene- 
ration, in  that  they  flighted  their  good  ex- 
amples, and  indulged  themfelves  in  many 
things  which  thofe  worthy  men  bore  a  faith- 
ful teftimony  againft.  He  was  a  diligent 
attender  of  meetmgs,  and  very  exemplary 
in  being  early  there,  even  to  old  age,  when 
of  ability  of  body ;  often  exciting  friends 
to  that  duty,  not  as  formalifts,  but  patient- 
ly to  wait  for  qualification  to  perform  ac- 
ceptable worfhip  to  the  Almighty.  His  out- 
ward circumftances  being  low,  he  was  ve- 
ry induftrious,  labouring  with  his  hands 
for  the  fupport  of  himfelf  and  family,  to 

an 


(      321       ) 

an  advanced  age,  being  very  loth  to  be  bur- 
denfome  to  friends. 

He  lived  to  a  good  old  age,  and  on  his 
death-bed,  exprcfled  his  great  fatisfadion, 
and  refignation  to  the  will  of  the  Almighty, 
and  faid  he  had  oiten  confidered  that  paf- 
fage  of  fcripture,  *'  If  our  hearts  condemn 
*'  us  not,  God  is  greater,"  adding,  '  But 
*  my  heart  condemns  me  not,  for  I  have 
'  walked  in  innocency  from  my  youth  up : ' 
He  divers  times  fignified  his  being  ready 
and  willing  to  leave  the  world.  As  our  dear 
friend  walked  in  righteoufnefs  and  humili- 
ty, he  increafed  in  divine  experience,  and 
his  lamp  fhone  bright  to  the  lafb.  He  de- 
parted this  life,  on  the  2^th  of  the  eleventh 
month  1774,  in  the  eighty-ninth  year  of 
his  age,  much  beloved  by  his  friends,  neigh- 
bours, and  acquaintance  in  general,  a  large 
number  of  whom  attended  his  corpfe  to  the 
grave,  where,  after  a  folid  meeting  on  the 
occafion,  it  was  interr'din  friends  burying- 
ground  at  Rahway. 


A  Tejl'imony  from  Gofhen  Monthly -Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Fhomas  Good- 
win. 

}_^  E  was  born  in  the  principality  of  Wales 
J.    in  the  year    1694,    and  came  over  to 
Pennfylvania    with   his    parents    about    the 
year  I70t>;    and  according   to  the  bed  ac- 
Y  counts 


(      522      ) 

counts  we  can  colledl,  he  appeared  In  the 
miniitry  near  the  fortieth  yearot  his  age;  and 
became  a  faithful  labourer  in  the  Lord*s 
vineyard.  He  fundry  times  vifited  friends 
in  the  adjacent  provinces,  feveral  of  which  vi~ 
fits  he  pcrforn\ed  even  in  old  age ;  and  about 
the  (ixty- ninth  year  of  his  age  vifited  friends 
in  many  parts  of  England  and  Wales;  and 
fome  years  after,  friends  in  Ireland  ;  v/hich 
vifits  were  acceptable,  as  appeared  by  leve- 
ral  certificates  given  by  Iriends  aniongil 
whom  he  laboured.  He  was  zealous  tor 
the  promotion  of  good  order  in  the  church, 
and  often  fervently  engaged  in  our  meetings 
for  difcipline,  to  recommend  friends  to  a 
humble  waiting  for  the  pointings  of  truth, 
as  the  alone  fafe  guide  and  ciualifier  for  eve- 
ry good  word  and  work. 

He  was  exemplary  himfelf,  and  careful 
to  bring  up  his  family  in  the  pradlice  of  at- 
tending Uieetings  on  the  firft  and  other  days 
of  the  week;  was  zealous  in  promoting  and 
faithful  in  performing  that  good  work  of  vi- 
fiting  friends  families:  His  miniilry  was 
found  and  edifying,  being  in  the  demonftra- 
tion  of  the  fpirit  and  power;  and  he  may 
be  faid  to  be  of  the  number  of  them  that 
through  taith  have  obtained  a  good  report. 

The  lall:  year  of  his  life,  he  w^as  prevented 
from  travelling  far  abroad,  by  reafon  of  a 
lingering  and  painful  diforder,  but  when  a- 
ble  to  attend  his  own  meeting,  he  frequent- 
ly appeared  in  the  miniilry,  tho'  under 
much  bodily  innrmity.     And  altho'  he  was 

as 


('     3^3     )' 

as  a  fliock  of  corn  fully  ripe,  gathered  in 
its  fealbn,  yet  we  are  feiifihle  of  the  lofs  the 
church  has  fultained  by  his  removal ;  but  we 
trull  it  is  his  everlailing  gain,  and  that  he 
now  enjoys  the  fruits  of  his  labours.  His 
lalf  exprelTions  were,  '  Lord  Jefus  receive 
*  my  foul.' 

He  departed  this  life,  the  i6th  of  the 
fourth  month  1775*  nnd  was  buried  in 
friends  burying- ground  at  Goihen,  on  the 
iQ)th  of  the  Iknie,  aged  eighty-one  years, 
and  a  miniiter  about  41  years. 


A  Teflimony  from  Nottingham  Monthly- Meet- 
ing in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  John 
Churchman. 

HE  was  born  at  Nottingham  in  Cheflier 
county,  Pennfylvania,  the  ^.tb  ot  the 
fixth  month  1705,  of  religious  parents, 
John  and  Hannah  Churchman;  and  by  his 
own  account,  was  remarkably  reached  and 
made  fenlible  of  the  inward  appearance  of 
grace  and  truth  when  very  young;  but 
through  inattention  thereto,  fuffered  lofs. 
About  the  twentieth  year  of  his  age,  thro'  tiie 
great  loving  kindnels  of  a  merciful  God, 
the  divine  vifitation  was  again  renewed 
wherewith  he  doting  in,  became  fubjetl  to  the 
Lord's  hand,  who  was  about  to  prepare  him  as 
achofen  inftrument  forfervice.  In  his  twen- 
ty-fifth year  he  married,  and  foon  after  was 
Y  2  recommended 


(     3H    ) 

recommended  to  the  ftation  of  an  elder, 
wherein  we  find,  he  acled  with  great  cauti- 
on, humihty  and  fear,  and  being  qualified 
for  the  fervice  of  vifiting  families,  was  em- 
ployed therein. 

His  firll  appearance  in  public  miniftry, 
was  in  the  year  1733,  and  by  humble  obe- 
dience to  the  giver,  he  improved  in  tlie  gift, 
and  became  an  able  minifter  of  the  goipel; 
in  which  fervice  he  travelled  much,  having 
vifited  the  meetings  of  friends  in  this  and 
feveral  of  the  adjacent  provinces,  moftly  fe- 
veral  times;  and  in  the  lummer  1742,  he 
perform'd  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in  New- 
England,  and  the  year  following  to  New- 
York  and  parts  adjacent,  which  he  repeated 
in  1774.  in  the  year  1750  a  concern  ripen- 
ed, which  he  exprefTed  had  for  Ibme  years 
before,  at  times,  relied  with  weight  on  his 
mind,  to  crofs  the  feas  in  the  fervice  of  the 
gofpel,  wherewith  he  had  the  tret  concur- 
rence of  his  brethren  at  home  (being  always 
very  careful  in  that  refpecft;)  and  fpent  up- 
wards of  four  years  on  a  general  vifit  to  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  England,  Scotland, 
Wales,  Ireland  and  Holland,  and  alfo  to  tlie 
particular  families  of  friends  within  the 
compafs  of  divers  meetings  in  different  parts 
ot  Europe ;  and  by  I'everal  cerrificaces  pro- 
duced to  our  meeting  after  his  return,  the 
vmity  and  latisfadion  of  ft'iends  in  thole  Eu- 
ropean countries  with  his  exemplary  con- 
duct and  religious  labours  were  tuily  ex- 
preiied. 

Although 


(  325  ) 
Although  he  was  of  a  weakly  conflltuti- 
on,  and  often  infirm,  efpecially  in  the  latter 
part  of  his  life,  yet  he  appeared  to  be  much 
devoted  to  the  fervice  of  truth  and  the  good 
of  mankind,  and  gave  up  his  time  for  that 
purpofe,  when  he  apprehended  it  was  requir- 
ed of  him,  being  favoured  with  a  fufficiency 
of  outward  things,  and  we  believe  he  ftood 
loofe  from  the  world  and  its  connedlions, 
not  feeking,  but  refraining  opportunities  he 
might  have  had  to  get  outward  riches ;  he 
vifited  neighbouring  yearly,  quarterly,  and 
other  meetings  of  friends  at  times  to  his  laft 
year,  and  was  truly  ufeful  in  the  difcipline 
of  the  church,  being  eminently  qualified  for 
that  fervice,  and  was  a  good  example  in  a 
diligent  care  to  attend  all  the  meetings  both 
for  worlhip  and  difcipline  to  which  he  be- 
longed, cautious  of  being  forward  in  his 
public  appearances,  and  for  the  moft  pare 
exampled  us  to  filence  in  our  meetings  at 
liome,  efpecially  in  the  latter  part  of  his 
time  ;  yet  when  he  did  appear  in  teltimony, 
we  think  it  may  be  truly  faid,  his  doctrine 
dropc  as  the  dew,  being  lively  and  edifying 
to  tlie  hoiielt  hearted,  tho'  clofe  and  learching 
to  thecarelefs  proielfors,  as  well  as  ro  the  pro- 
fane and  h)  pc  Ci'icical.  The  elders  who  have 
ruled  wA\  are  to  he  accounted  honorable,  fo 
the  remembrance  oi  the  fatherly,  ddigent, 
humble,  upright,  honeft,  and  lelf-denying 
example  of  this  our  decealed  friend,  as  alio 
his  various  lervices  in  aur  meetings  and 
neighboui'i\ood  remain  frelh,  and  of  a  pea-* 
f^nt  favouj;  to  many  mindJ^* 

la 


(     3^6     ) 

In  his  laft  illnefs,  which  held  him  up- 
W^irds  of  three  week?,  he  appeared  aiolUy 
feifible,  and  mani felled  much  patience  and 
refignation,  uttering  many  lively  exprefhons 
to  rnofe  attending  him,  and  to  divers  friends 
who  came  to  lee  him  j  Ibme  of  which  being 
taken  dtnvn  in  wntmg,  are  hereunto  iub- 
joined,  viz. 


Sotne  Account  of  the  loft  iJlnefi  of  our  friend 
Jonn  Ciiurchman,  and  oj  divers  of  his 
iveighty  exprefjions^  near  the  cloje  oJ  life, 

N  the  1 1 //:?  of  the  fixth  month  \J"]S* 
he  returned  home,  after  performmg 
his  laft  journey,  on  a  vifit  to  moft  of  the 
meetings  on  the  Eallern- Shore  of  Maryland, 
and  attending  the  yearly-meeting  at  Tiiird- 
Haven  in  Talbot  county.  On  the  14//7  of 
the  fame  month,  he  went  to  the  weekday 
meeting  at  London- Grove,  to  meet  with  a 
committee  of  our  quarterly-meeting  on  par- 
ticular bufinefs,  and  returned  to  our  meet- 
ing at  Nottingham  the  next  day,  on  the  hjft 
day  of  the  week  following  was  there  alio,  in 
the  fame  week  he  attended  our  preparative 
and  monthly-meetings,  but  a  fever  daily  in- 
creafing  upon  him,  he  v/as  afterwards  chief- 
ly confined  at  home. 

On  the  ^th  of  the  feventh  month  he  exprefTed 
hinilelf  thus,  '  i  am  glad  that  1  am  at  home, 
'  I  have  ever  found  it  bed  when  my  fervice 
*  abroad  v/as  over,  to  get  home  as  quick  as 

*  might 


(  3^7  ) 
might  be,  and  though  I  have  felt  great  in- 
ward poverty  and  w^eaknefs  fince  my  laft 
journey,  lb  that  I  can  neither  fee  my  be- 
ginning nor  ending,  but  leem  as  if  all 
were  hidden,  yet  I  hope  if  Providence  fhall 
fee  meet  to  remove  me  at  this  time,  fome 
light  will  appear  again,  and  that  it  will 
be  otherwife  before  I  go/ 
At  another  time  he  fpake  to  this  pvirpofe, 
I  have  found  myfelf  much  dripped  as  to  a 
fenfe  of  good,  and  tried  with  poverty  ma- 
ny days.  I  fuppoie  1  have  been  accounted 
by  fome,  as  one  of  the  better  fort  of  peo- 
ple, but  have  feen  great  occafion  to  beware 
ot  a  difpofitioii  that  would  feek  to  feed  up- 
on the  praiie  or  commendations  of  others  j 
a  carnal  ielfilh  fbiritis  very  apt  to  prelent, 
and  creep  in  here  if  polTible,  and  I  have 
iten.  it  hurt  many  who  have  had  right  be-^ 
ginnings,  it  always  introcluceth  dimnefs, 
and  opprelBon,  to  the  pure,  precious,  in- 
nocent life  of  truth,  wnich  only  groweth 
up  into  dominion,  through  deep  abale- 
ment  of  (bul,  and  the  entire  death  of  felf,* 
At  feveral  other  times  he  fignified  to  this 
effed:,  '  My  preient  baptifm  of  afflicftion 
hath  tended  to  the  further  refinement  of 
my  nature,  and  to  the  bringing  me  more 
perfetftly  into  the  image  of  my  mailer.' 
He  frequently  exprciTed  his  full  fubiniiH- 
on  to  the  divine  will  either  re{"pe6ling  life  or 
dtath,   feveral  times    faving,   ^   I  now  expe- 

*  rience  mv  life  and  my  wdi  to  be  ilain,  and 

*  1  have  no  will  left,' 

^  la 


(    3^8    ) 

In  the  two  laft  weeks  of  his  time  it  ap- 
peared that  his  defire  and  hope,  mentioned 
in  the  forepart  of  his  illnefs,  for  hght  again 
to  appear,  was  fully  anfwered  by  the  freili  in- 
fluence thereof,  io  that  altho*  his  pain  was 
often  great,  he  would  many  times  in  a  day 
break  forth  into  a  kind  of  melody  with  his 
voice,  without  uttering  words,  which  as  he 
fometimes  intimated,  was  an  involuntary  af- 
piration  of  his  Ibul  in  praile  to  the  Lord,  who 
had  again  been  plealed  to  ihine  forth  in 
brightnefs  after  many  days  of  poverty  and 
deep  baptifm,  which  tho*  painful,  had  prov- 
ed beneficial  to  him,  being  a  means  of  fur- 
ther purifying  from  the  dregs  of  nature,  fay- 
ing he  was  at  times  afraid  to  difcover  that 
melody  in  the  hearing  of  fome  that  vifited 
huTi,  left  they  could  not  comprehend  its 
meaning,  and  might  therefore  mifconftruc 
it. 

On  fecond  day  morning  the  I'jth  of  the 
feventh  month,  being  afl^ed  by  a  friend  how 
he  was,  he  replied,   *  I  am  here  in  the  body 

*  yet,   and  when  I  go  out  of  it  I  hope  there 

*  is  nothing  but  peace,'  and  foon  after  fur- 
ther faid,  '  1  have  feen  that  all  the  buRles, 
'  and  noifes  that  are  now  in  the  world  will 
'  end  in  confufion,  and  our  young  men  that 

*  know  not  an  eflablilhment   in  the  truth 

*  and  the  Lord's  fear  for  a  ballalf,  will  be 
'  caught  in  a  trying  moment.'  At  another 
time  he  (aid,   '  1  feel  nothing  but  peace,  hav- 

*  ing  endeavoured  honeftly  to  diicharge  my- 


(     329     ) 

*  felf  in  public,  and  privately  to  individu- 

*  a(s  as  1  apprehended  was  required,  and  if 

*  it  be  the  Lord's  will  that  1  fhould  go  now, 

*  I  {hall  be  releafed  from  a  great   deal   of 

*  trouble  and  exercilb,  which  I  believe  friends 

*  who   are    left   behind  will  have    to   pafs 

*  through.* 

On  the  20th  of  the  fame  month  he  thus 

exprelled  himfelt,   '  I  love  friends  who  abide 

in  the  truth  as  much  as  ever  I  did,  and  I 

feel  earned  breathings  to  the  Lord,  that 

there  may  be  luch  r;Aifed  up  in  the  church 

who  may  ^o  forth  in  humility,  fweetnefs, 

and  life,  clear  of  all  fuperfluity  in  exprelli- 

ons  and  ocherwife,  flandnig  for  the  tefti- 

mony,    that   they  may    be  ufeful   to  the 

church  in  thefe  difficult  times.* 

About  three  days  before  his  death,  feveral 

friends  being  in  his  room,  he  fpake  as  follows, 

'  Friends    in    the  beginning,   if  they   had 

*  health  and  liberty,  were  not  eaiily  divert- 
'  ed  from  paying  their  tribute  of  woriliip 

*  to  the  Almighty  on  week  days  as  well  as 

*  firft-days,  but  after  awhile  when  outward 

*  fufferings  ceafed,  life  and  zeal  decaying, 

*  eai'e  and  the  fpirit  of  the  world  took  place 
'  with  many,  and  thus  it  became  cufloma- 
'  ry  for  one  or  two  out  of  a  family  to  attend 
'  meetings,  and  to  leave  their  children  much 
'  at  home;  parents  alfo  if  worldly  concerns 
'  were  in  the  way  could  neglect  their  week 
'  day  meetings  fometimes,  yet  be  willing  to 

*  hold  the  name,    and  plead  excufe  becaufs 

•^  of  a  bufy  time,  or  the  like,  but  I  believe.. 

■  that 


(     330    ) 
'  that  fuch  a  departure  from  primitive  intc- 
'  grity  ever  did,  and  ever  will,  occafion  a 
'  withering  from  the  life  of  true  religion.* 

To  a  friend  who  came  to  vifit  him  on  the 
2iy?of  the  (eventh  month  he  faid,   *  I  feel 

*  that  which  lives  beyond  death  and  the 
'  grave,  which  is  now  an  inexpreffible  com- 
'  fort  to  me  after  a  time  of  deep   baptilrn 

*  that  I  have  pafled  through,  I  believe  my 
^  being  continued  here  is  in  the  will  of  Pro- 

*  vidence,  and  I  am  fully  refigned.' 

His  illnefs  increafing  he  fliid  but  little  on 
feventh-day  the  izd\  in  the  afternoon  he 
was  very  low,  and  Ipeechlefs  about  twelve 
hours ;  early  on  firft-day  morning  he  recruit- 
ed a  little,  and  gave  dirtdlions  about  his 
cofEn  to  a  friend  who  fat  up  with  him,  being 
a  joiner;  continuing  rather  eafier  the  fore- 
part of  that  day  and  appearing  cheerful,  he 
exprelFed  divers  weiglity  fentences  like  fare- 
well exhortations  to  fome  who  came  to  fee 
him;  on  fecond-day  morning  he  fat  up  a 
confiderable  time,  in  the  afternoon  he  ap- 
peared lively  and  fenfible,  tho'  very  weak, 
thus  exprelTiug  himfelf,    *    I  am    much  re- 

*  frelhed  with  my  mailer's   fvveet  air,   I  leel 

*  more  life,  more  light,  more  love  and 
'  fweernefs  than  ever  before,'  and  often  men-*- 
tioned  the  divine  refrelhment  and  comfort 
he  felt  flowing  like  a  pure  llream  to  his  in- 
ward man,  faying;  to  thofe  who  were  with 
him,  *  I  may  tell  you  of  it,  but  you  cannot 
'  feel  it  as  I  do.' 

In  the  evening  a  voung  perfon  coming  in- 
to the  room,  looking  at  her  earnelily  aidaf- 

fectionatelyj 


(     331     ) 

fedlionately,  he  faid,  '  Deborah  arofe  a  mo- 
'  Cher  in  Ifrael,'  and  ihortly  after,  '  The 
'  fweetnefs  that  I  feel ;'  then  his  difficuicy 
of  breathing  increalecl,  and  being  tuit^ed 
once  or  twice,  he  requei^ed  to  He  helpe^d  up, 
and  wab  placed  in  his  chair,  in  whicb  lie  ex- 
pired about  the  ninth  hoar  on  lecond  day 
night  the  24r^()f  rhefeventh  month  1775,  be- 
ing aged  near  leveaty,  and  a  minifter  about  42 
years,  and  was  buried  on  the  261b  m  friends 
grave-yard  at  Ea(t-Nottingham,  a  large  con- 
courfe  of  people  attending,  after  which  a  lo- 
lemn  meeting  was  held. 


A  Teftimonyfrom  New-Garden  Monthly -Meeting 
in  Pennlylvania,  concerning  Sakah  Mil- 
house. 

SHE  was  religioufly  inclined  from  her 
youth,  and  when  married,  was  a  good 
example  in  her  family  as  a  wife  and  a  parent, 
of  an  inoffenfive  life  and  conversation,  and 
a  diligent  attender  of  religious  meetings, 
until  prevented  by  age  and  bodily  infirmity  j 
Pier  appearances  as  a  minifter  were  not  fre- 
quent, but  favoury  and  in  few  exprefTions. 

In  her  lafl  illnefs  Ihe  feem'd  refigned  ei- 
ther to  live  or  die,  and  by  her  fenlible  ex- 
preihons  and  good  advice  to  her  children  and 
others,  file  appeared  in  a  living  humble 
frame  of  mind,  and  fignified,  '  She  did  not 
*  fee  any  thing  in  her  way.* 

She 


(     332     ) 

She  quietly  departed  this  life,  the  26tb 
of  the  eighth  month  1775,  aged  about  fe- 
venty-four  years ;  and  on  the  2jth  was  in- 
terr  d  in  friends  burying-ground  at  New- 
Garden. 

After  her  deceafe,  was  found,  wrote  with 
lier  own  hand,   as  follows,   'Oh!    that   my 

*  children  would  walk  in  the  truth,  the  pure, 

*  inward,  everlafting  truth,  which  is  Chrift; 

*  ieek  unto  him  in  fecret  and  great  humility, 

*  who  alone  can  preferve  you  in  every  try- 

*  ing  time  which  mull  be  met  with  in  this 

*  life,  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  that  life 

*  which  is  everlallingj  feek   it  before  any 

*  earthly  treafure/ 


ATe/lmonyfrofn  Gwyncdd  Monthly- Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  CGUceniing  William 
F  o  u  L  K  E. 

E  was  born  of  religious  parents,  early 
fettlers  of  Gwynedd,  from  whom  he 
received  a  pious  education,  to  which,  with 
the  vifitation  of  divine  grac>e,  he  fo  far  at- 
tended from  early  )outh,  that  in  the  I'everal 
characfters  of  hufband,  father,  maimer,  and 
neighbour,  with  his  hofpitality  and  charita- 
ble (liipofition  to  the  poor,  he  was  much  en- 
deared to  his  family,  friends  and  neighbours. 
Being  a  man  of  integrity  and  a  lover  of  peace, 
he  endeavoured  to  promote  it  in  others,  and 
was  rem.arkably  endued  with  a  happy  talent 

tor 


(     333     ) 

for  compofing  differences  and  reclaiming  of- 
fenders, ill  which  lervices  he  was  much  ex- 
ercifed. 

In  the  ftations  of  an  elder  and  overfeer 
which  he  filled  for  a  number  of  years,  he 
was  exemplary  and  ferviceable.  His  health 
gradually  declined  for  feveral  months  ;  and 
though  his  diforder  proved  lingering,  he  was 
enabled  to  bear  it  with  refignation  and  pati- 
ence, expreffing  the  expe(5lation  of  his  change 
with  calmnefs. 

The  day  before  his  deceafe,  a  friend  who 
vifited  him,  mentioned,  what  a  comfortable 
rellecflion  it  mufl  be  to  him,  when  drawing 
near  to  the  clofe  of  life,  that  he  had  filled 
up  the  ftation  alloted  him  in  a  good  degree 
of  faithfuhiefs ;  he  replied,  '  I  have  no  fight 

*  w^hen  my  change  may  be,  I  endeavour  to 
'  be  refigaed,  I  have  not  any  thing  to  boaft 

*  of,  I  have  not  any  thing  to  ex-pe(5l  from  a- 
'  ny  works  1  have  done,  it  was  but  little; 

*  but  I  have  experienced  that  the  Lord  is 

*  merciful,  in  whom  Itrulf,  having  redeem- 

*  ed  my  foul  from  deftrucftion.    I  much  de- 

*  fire  to  be  within    the    pale   of  happinefs, 

*  fomewhere  within  the  door  where  I  may 
'  find  a  quiet  habitation.' 

He  continued  feniible  to  the  lafl,  and  de- 
parted this  life,  on  the  '2,0th  of  the  eighth 
month  1775,  in  the  fixty-feventh  year  of  his 
age,  and  ou  the  iji  of  the  ninth  month,  was 
iiuerr'd  in  friends  burying-ground  atGwy- 
nedd. 

A  Teftimon^ 


(     334    ) 

A  TePihmny  from  the  Monthly- Meeting  o/Phi- 
ladelpiiia,  concernitig  x^akah  Mukkis. 

SH  E  was  born  in  this  citv,  being  the 
(laughter  of  our  ancient  friends  Anthony 
and  Ehzabeth  Morris,  who  were  careful  to 
inftrucfl  her  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  a  dili- 
gent attendance  of  our  rel'g'ous  meetings, 
and  an  early  acquaintance  with  the  holy 
fcriptures ;  the  advantage  whereof  ilie  at 
times  exprelTed  to  be  a  great  comfort  to  her- 
felf,  and  of  benefit  to  others.  Her  father  di- 
ed when  flie  was  about  feventeen  years  of 
age,  and  near  his  end  gave  this  teftimony 
relpedling  her,  '  That  flie  had  never  dilbbey- 
'  ed  him,  and  was  his  comfort ;'  which  we 
infert  with  dehres  it  may  fo  imprefs  the 
minds  ot  youth,  that  by  duly  regarding  the 
divine  command  of  obedience  to  parents, 
they  may  be  their  comfort,  merit  the  like 
teftimony,  and  fecure  peace  to  their  own 
minds.  She  was  endued  with  underftand- 
ing  fuperior  to  n^any,  which,  with  her  foci- 
able,  agreeable  difpohtion,  occafioned  her 
Converlation  in  the  younger  part  of  her  life 
to  be  fought  and  acceptable  lo  fiich  who  were 
accounted  wife  in  the  elfimation  of  the  world; 
but  from  her  religious  inclination  prefering 
the  company  of  thofe  who  exceeded  her  in 
age  and  experience,  fhe  was  mercifully  {)re- 
ferved  from  the  fnares  and  ten^ptations  to 
levity  and  vanity  by  which  many  of  the 
youth  are  too  readily  captivaied. 

The 


(  335  ) 
The  ftate  of  mind  and  religious  exercife 
flie  was  brought  under,  through  the  early 
vificacions  of  divine  grace,  being  ienfibly  ex- 
prelTed  in  aihorc  account  written  by  herlelf, 
we  think  worthy  to  be  prelerved,  dirc(5led 
as  follows, 
To  all  to  whofe  hands  this  may  come,  be 
it  known, 

'  That,  I  having  been  one  who  was  born 
of  religious  parents,  was  by  that  means  ia- 
voured  with  a  (bber  and  virtuous  educa- 
tion, bat  what  was  far  beyond  all  outward 
bleilmgs,  the  Lord  in  his  mercy  was  pleaf- 
ed  to  make  very  early  impreffions  of  reli- 
gion on  my  (bul,  by  his  immediate  grace 
and  good  fpirit,  and  made  me  fenfible  of 
the  touches  of  divine  love  when  very 
young,  and  at  times  thefe  merciful  viiita- 
tions  were  continued  from  my  very  infan- 
cy (and  through  every  part  of  life)  by 
which  1  was  in  a  good  degree  preferved 
from  the  evils  and  vanities  of  the  world, 
and  not  only  fo,  but  comforted  and  lup- 
ported  in  every  time  of  trouble  and  diffi- 
culty, as  there  was  a  fecret  regard  to  that 
good  hand  which  is,  and  ever  will  be  the 
help  of  all  thole  who  put  their  trull  in  it. 
But  tho'  the  Lord  had  fo  favoured  me  that 
I  was  made  capable  of  being  in  fome  re- 
fpe(5ls  ferviceableamongfl  my  acquaintance 
and  friends,  from  a  propenlity  in  my  na- 
tural difpolition  (which  is  likewile  a  bleif- 
ing  from  Heaven)  to  affill  or  oblige  thofe 
with  whom  I  converlevl;  yet  after  itpleaf- 

'  cd 


(    336    ) 

ed  God,  by  the  death  of  a  fifter  whom  I 
entirely  loved,  to  give  me  a  frefh  ini1:ance 
of  the  uncertainty  and  unfatisfacStorinefs 
of  all  temporal  blfiTings,  he  was  pleafed 
to  llrengthen  my  delires  after  the  enjoy- 
ment of  that  which  is  eternal  and  fadeth 
not  away;  and  ftrong  cries  were  railed  in 
my  foul  that  1  might  be  brought  to  a  near- 
er acquaintance,  and  a  more  conllant  a- 
biding  with  him  who  is  the  beloved  of 
fouls,  and  who,  by  the  fecret  touches  of 
divine  goodnefs,  had  raifed  fuch  a  hunger 
and  thirft  after  righteoulhefs,  that  my  loul 
could  not  be  fatisfied  fhort  of  it :  I  fay,  af- 
ter it  had  pleafed  God  thus  to  incline  my 
mind  to  feek  after  a  more  full  enjoyment 
of  that  inward  life  and  virtue  which  is 
communicated  and  conveyed  to  the  foul 
through  the  illumination  of  the  holy  fpi- 
rit,  1  was  vifited  with  ficknefs,  in  which 
I  had  i"o  a  near  a  prolpedl  of  eternity,  tliat 
1  feemed  jufl  entermg  into  it;  O!  then, 
the  emptincfs  and  vanity  of  all  the  world; 
the  pleaiures  and  friendihips  of  it  appear- 
ed in  a  clear  and  ftrong  light;  nothing 
then  but  the  hope  oi  an  entrance  into  the 
kingdom  of  Heaven  ieemed  of  any  value, 
and  that  hope  the  Lord  was  at  that  time 
pleafed  in  fome  degree  to  afford  me ;  but 
yet  I  thought  1  (awn  great  deficiency,  and 
was  made  to  defire  oi  the  Lord,  chat  ii  it 
v/as  his  will  to  rell:ore  me,  he  miglit  ena- 
ble me  to  live  more  cio!c  to  Wis  teachings, 
and  follow  him  more  iuliy  than  1  had  iii- 

*  therto 


(     337     ) 

therto  done  ;  but  in  order  to  this,  a  work 
of  greater  mortification  than  ever  had 
been  experienced  by  me,  was  necelFary. 
Great  diftrefs  of  foul  and  afllicftion  of  bo- 
dy was  I  brought  into,  iniomuch  that  I 
'knew  not  where,  or  what  I  was ;  fuch 
temptations  and  buffetings  of  Satan  that 
I  had  till  now  been  a  itranger  to,  were 
fafFered  to  befet  me,  in  the  abfence  of  fpi- 
ritual  comfort  and  refreihment,  yet  in  all 
this  the  Lord  was  very  merciful,  and  let 
me  fee  that  his  dealings  with  my  foul  were 
in  order  to  qualify  and  fit  for  fome  fur- 
ther fervice ;  O !  then  the  folemn  engage- 
ments my  foul  was  willing  to  enter  into  at 
this  Bethel!  If  thou  O  Lord!  will  be  with 
me  in  the  way  that  I  go,  and  give  me 
bread  to  eat  and  raiment  to  put  on,  in  a 
fpiritual  fenfe,  and  bring  me  to  my  hea- 
venly fiither's  houfe  in  peace,  thou  flialt 
be  my  God,  and  I  will  lerve  thee !  And 
the  Lord,  who  knew  the  tendernefs  of  my 
heart  (at  that  time,  for  it  was  his  own 
work)  was  pleafed  gracioully  to  fhower 
down  of  the  heavenly  rain  of  his  king- 
dom, by  which  my  foul  was  greatly  com- 
forted and  refreflied  in  his  prelence ;  and 
in  a  true  fight  and  fenfe  of  my  own  no- 
thingnefs  and  inability  to  do  any  thing 
that  was  acceptable  in  the  light  of  God 
without  his  ailiftance,  Vv^as  my  fpirit  great- 
ly humbled  before  him,  and  a  refi^i:nation 
wrought  in  my  will  to  be  given  up  in  all 
thmgs  to  him,  who  had  thus  enabled  my 
%  *  Ibul 


(    338    ) 

*  foul  to  praife  his  name  upon  the  banks  c»f 

*  deliverance  from  great  and  fore  confiidls 
'  and   troubles,    which  were  unknown   to 

*  any  in  that  day,  for  then  was  the  Lord  my 

*  refuge  and  fure  hiding  place,  and  under 

*  the  fhadow  of  his  wing  was  I  kept,  and 
'  in  the  fweet  enjoyment  of  divine  love, 

*  light  and  life,  at  times  was  made  to  fay, 

*  furely  nothing  fhall  ever  be  able  to  make 

*  a  reparation  from  the  love  of  God  in  Chrift 

*  Jefus:  But  alas  !  this  lafted  not  long,   for 

*  when  it  was  clearly  fhewn  me  what  was 

*  required  of  my  hands,  which  was  to  bear 
'  a  public  teftimony  for  God,  and  to  declare 

*  unto  others  what  he  had  done  for  my  foul, 

*  then   confukations  with  flefli  and  blood 

*  began,  tho'  the  merciful  vifitations  of  love 

*  were  long  continued  unto  me;  yet  doubts, 

*  fears   and  reafonings    increafed,    fo    that 

*  great  darknefs  and  diftrefs  came  upon  me, 

*  nor  could  1  now  apply  with  that   confi- 

*  dence  and  trufl:  as  formerly,    to  him  a- 

*  lone  who  can  help,  but  began  to  difblofe 

*  fomething    oi    my    condition    to   others, 

*  from  which  time  I  was  fenfible  that  my 

*  ftrength  decreafed ;    yet  all  this  while  I 
'  was  willing  to  hope  that  a  frefh  vifitation 

*  might  be  lometime  afforded,  for  without 
'  it,  I  faw  my  ftate  very  dangerous ;  what 

*  W'Ould  I  not  then  have  done  to  have  reco- 

*  vered  my  former  condition  ?    I  went  un- 

*  der  great  diftrefs  and  perplexity  day  and 

*  night  tor  fome  months,  the  comfortable 

*  retreflunents  and   divine   openings  with 

*  which 


(     339     ) 

which  I  had  been  fo  plentifully  favoured, 
were  withdrawn,  and  I  left  in  unfpeakable 
anguiih  and  diftrefs ;  under  this  fenfe  of 
terror  I  cried  to  the  Lord  to  fhew  me  his 
will  and  enable  me  to  perform  it,  but  the 
fenfe  of  his  love  was  fo  far  withdrawn,  and 
fears  and  doubts  had  ib  prevailed,  that  I 
began  to  queftion  every  thing,  and  by  de- 
grees the  unwearied  adverfary  hath  fo  pre- 
vailed, or  it  is  fo  fuffered  for  ends  1  know 
not,  that  I  am  at  this  time,  according  to 
my  weak  apprehenfion,  left  very  mucli  to 
myfelf  without  the  fenfation  of  divine  love 
upon  my  foul,  or  the  abdity  to  feek  after 
it,  or  rightly  to  wait  for  it,  or  to  flir  or 
move  any  way  as  to  my  foul,  but,  in  a 
ftupidity  not  to  be  defcribed,  ftript  of  all 
inward  comfoit,  and  not  able  to  take  plea- 
fure  in  any  thing  this  world  can  afford.' 
Being,  through  the  mercy  of  the  Lord, 
preferved  vinder  this  clofe  probation,  and,  in 
his  time,  graciouily  relieved  by  the  quicken- 
ing virtue  of  his  divine  prefcnce  and  power, 
flie,  in  great  abalement  and  humiliation,  be- 
came refigned  to  his  holy  requirings,  and 
appeared  in  public  teftimony  in  one  of  our 
religious  meetings;  being  thus  brought  forth 
in  the  miniflry,  through  great  mortification 
of  her  own  will,  her  appearance  was  much 
to  the  comfort  and  fatisf  acfllon  of  friends,  it 
being  evident  to  the  fenfible  and  judicious 
members  of  the  church,  that  flie  was  right- 
ly called  to  this  weighty  work ;  and  divers 
nearly  fympathizing  with  her,  were  fpiritual 
Z  2  helpers 


(    Mo    ) 

helpers,  watching  over  her  in  much  love  and 
tendcriiels ;  and  through  faithfulnefs  to  her 
gift,  file  increafed  in  knowledge  and  experi- 
ence, and  became  an  able  gofpel  miniller, 
being  found  in  docflrine,  pertinent  in  ex- 
hortation, clear  and  audible  in  utterance, 
and  careful  to  adorn  the  dodlrine  fhe  preach- 
ed by  a  pious  exemplary  life  and  converfa- 
tion. 

Her  firfl  journey  in  the  fervicc  of  truth 
was  to  fbme  adjacent  meetings  as  companion 
to  our  valuable  friend  Margaret  Ellis ;  being 
afterwards,  through  the  efficacy  of  divine 
love,  drawn  forth  to  vifit  many  of  the  meet- 
ings in  this  province,  New-jerfey  and  the 
yearly-meetings  in  Maryland  and  Long-If- 
land ;  and  in  the  year  1764,  in  company 
with  our  friends  Joyce  Benezet  and  Eliza- 
beth Smith,  attended  that  at  Rhode- Hland; 
though  her  religious  labours  were  chiefly  in 
this  city,  manifelting  among  us  a  fleady 
uniform  concern  for  the  caufe  of  truth,  and 
prefervation  of  true  chriftian  fellowfliip,  not 
only  in  the  exercife  of  her  gift  in  the  public 
miniltry,  wherein  fliewas  eminently  favour- 
ed, but  alfbof  ourchriltiandifcipline  among 
friends  of  her  own  lex,  for  which  flie  was 
well  qualified  and  of  real  ule. 

After  the  deceafe  of  her  ancient  mother, 
who,  in  the  ninety-tourtK  year  of  her  age, 
departed  in  a  calm  and  peaceful  Itate  of  mind, 
toward  whom  Ihe  had  manifefted  a  filial 
atltClion  and  care,  an  exercile  which  Ihe 
had  many  years  been  under  to  vifit  tricnds 

in 


{  341  ) 
in  Great-Britain  now  reviving,  the  weight 
of  the  fervice,  and  her  apprelienfion  of  be- 
ing difqualified  therefor,  affecfted  her  fo 
deeply,  that  flie  was  reduced  to  fuch  a  low 
ftate  of  mind  and  body,  her  recovery  ap- 
peared doubtftd  ;  but  after  adiftreiFingfealon 
of  conflidf,  {he  was  favoured  with  (trength 
to  communicate  her  concern  to  this  meeting, 
and  obtaining  a  certificate  of  the  near  fym- 
pathy  and  concurrence  of  friends,  flie  was 
left  to  proceed,  with  their  free  approbation, 
as  the  Lord  might  be  pleafed  to  furniili  abi- 
lity; and  her  afFe(5lionate  niece  Deborah 
Morris's  offer  to  accompany  her,  being  alfo 
concurred  with,  they  embarked  for  London, 
in  the  third  month  1772,  where  being  ar- 
rived, tho'  continuing  in  a  weak  flate  of 
health,  fhe  was  enabled  to  perform  her  vific 
to  friends  in  moft  of  the  principal  counties 
and  towns  from  Exeter  in  the  weft  as  far 
north  as  Cumberland,  and  thofe  called  the 
Ealfern-Counties ;  attending  two  yearly- 
meetings  in  London,  and  divers  general 
meetings  in  other  parts  of  the  nation;  and 
being  favoured  with  ftrength  beyond  expec- 
tation, and  with  that  wildom  which  truth 
gives  to  thofe  who  faithfully  refign  to  its 
holy  requirings,  dilcharged  her  religious  du- 
ty to  the  eJihcation  of  the  churches  and  her 
own  peace;  returning  home  in  the  ninth 
month  1773,  accompanied  by  her  (aid  niece, 
who  had  been  tr\dy  iielpful  to  her,  and  three 
friends  from  Great  Britain  on  a  reli.^ious 
■viiit ;  her  having  been  thus  mercifully  fullain- 


(  342  ) 
cd  through  this  weighty  fervice,  and  under 
luch  apparent  infirmity,  advanced  to  the  fe- 
ventieth  year  of  her  age,  was  both  matter 
of  comfort,  and  occafion  of  grateful  admi- 
ration to  friends. 

Having,  foon  after  her  return,  attended 
the  general  meeting  at  Shrew  (bury,  the  quar- 
terly-meeting of  Bucks  and  fome  other  meet- 
ings, ihe  united  that  winter  with  our  valu- 
able friends,  M.  Leaver  and  E.  Robinfon, 
from  Great- Britain,  in  vifiting  many  of  the 
families  of  friends  in  this  city,  being  emi- 
nently favoured  with  divine  help  therein, 
as  flie  had  been  at  times  before  in  the  like 
fervice. 

In  the  fifth  month  1774,  fhe  vifited  friends 
at  New- York  andLong-Ifland,  attending  the 
yearly-meeting  there,  and  divers  others ;  and 
in  the  fame  fummer  and  fall,  vifited  fome 
meetings  in  New-Jerfey  and  this  province, 
befides  diligently  attending  thofe  in  this  city 
as  ihe  was  enabled,  being  favoured  in  moft 
of  them  with  a  lively  edifying  teftimony. 

For  about  fix  months  before  her  departure, 
a  dropfical  diforder  fubjeded  her  to  great 
bodily  weaknefs;  yet  her  love  to  God,  his 
truth  and  people,  was  fo  prevalent,  that 
when  unable  to  walk  to  a  meeting,  Ihe  was 
divers  times  carried  to  her  feat;  one  of  the 
lafl  file  attended  in  public,  was  on  the  ^th 
of  the  fixth  month  177;,  to  which  fiie  was 
with  great  dilhculty  brought,  and  was  ena- 
bled to  bear  a  lively  tei^nnony;  affe^lion- 
iitely  expreilmg  her  great  concern  for  the 

welfare 


(     343     ) 

welfare  of  the  people,  that  they  might  be 
gathered  to  God,  and  mentioning  the  paf- 
fage  of  our  blelTed  Saviour  weeping  over 
Jerufalem,  tenderly  exhorted  the  riling 
youth  to  embrace  the  call  of  the  Lord,  lub- 
mit  to  his  teaching,  and  thereby  experience 
prefervation. 

During  herillnefs,  fhe  had  to  endure  great 
bodily  pain,  and  at  times,  depreffion  of 
fpirit;  yet  was  at  feafons  much  favoured, 
and  uttered  many  comfortable  and  edifying 
expreflions,  fome  of  which  being  noted 
down,  are  as  follows,  viz.  (ixth  month  1775. 
On  hearing  the  found  of  a  drum  pafhng,  it 
being  a  time  of  great  commotion,  flie  faid. 
Oh,  it  is  the  fpirit  of  Chrift  that  is  the 
chriftians  glory  and  ilrength  !  It  makes  us 
humble,  meek  and  wife,  it  is  this  teacher 
that  cannot  be  removed ;  a  guide  into  that 
righteous  way,  which  if  but  lived  in, 
would  have  kept  off  this  impending  ftorm. 
O  !  that  they  would  even  now  but  humbly 
feek  to  learn  the  chriflian  warfare,  and  be 
earneftly  engaged  to  fight  under  the  ban- 
ner of  Chrid,  to  know  their  own  hearts 
lufts  totally  fubdued.'  At  another  time 
being  in  great  pain,  flie  cried  out,  *  O  iweet 
Lord  Jefus,  that  thou  wouldft  be  pleafed  to 
give  me  a  little  eafe,  who  am  an  unwor- 
thy creature,  undeferviug  thy  Iweet  pre- 
fence;  but  thou  art  merciful,  and  thou, 
O  Lord !  knowell  that  nothing  leis  can 
eafe  and  comfort  me;  thy  living  prefence 
is  all  1  want.*     And  after  the  favour  was 

granted^ 


(     344    ) 
granted,  which  for  an  hour  fhe  enjoyed,  jQie 
faid,   '  Oh  !  how  good  is  my  Gocl,    thus  to 
hear  my  feeble  cry  ;    O  how  fweet  is  this 
ea(e!  All  my  pains  are  eafed  by  one  iecret 
look  from  thee ;  O !  that  I  could  be  thank- 
ful enough  ior  this  favour;  this  fweet  tho' 
fhoit  quiet,   which  we  cannot  get  at   but 
when  thou,  O  father !    pleafes.     O !    that 
the  peo})le  would  but  believe,  that  in  thy 
peace  their  ilrength  confirts;  and  that  they 
would  more  generally  feek  to  know  it  be- 
fore it  is  too  late;   but  too  many  are  con- 
tented without  witnelfmg  the  frequent  re- 
newings   of  divine   love,  in  which   only 
there  is    life,  if  they    are   but  preferved 
from  grofs  evils  and  go  on  in  profperity, 
they  fit  down  eafy  and  think  all   is  well; 
but  O !    that  they   may  not  too  late  find 
their  miflake,  and  that  they   have  pleafed 
themielves  with  favours  which  they  hav€ 
unthankfully  received,  and  fb  ftopt  fliort 
of  greater,    by   not  defiring  them,    and 
more  frequently  than  the  day,  waiting  to 
know  the  renewings  of  that  life,  without 
which  there  is  no  life  to  the  truly  begotten 
children,    ajid  which  would  fliew  them, 
not   only    what   they    ought    to  do,    but 
would  give  them  Ifrengch  to  do  it. 
Seventh  month  2^/;    in  a  quiet  fitting  of 
fome  friends  in  her  room,  flue  laid  in  lub- 
rtance,     *  If  1  may  take  the  freedom  to  ex^ 
'  prefs  my  experiences  of  the  Lord's  graci-^ 
'  ous  ciet'ilings  with  me,  when  in  a  land  of 
'  darknefs  and  drought,  where  no  water  is, 

a  land 


(     345     ) 

*  a  land  of  pitts  and  deferts,  befet  as  with 
'  noxious   creatures,  and   amongfl  ferpents 

*  and  fcorpions,  from   whence   none  could 

*  deliver  but  him  who  can  open  and  none 

*  can  Ihut ;    I  have  feen  the  necelTity,    after 

*  having  done  the  will  of  God,  to  wait 
'  with   patience  to  receive   the   promife  of 

*  him  who  is  the  fame  to-day.  as  yeilerday, 

*  and  will  fo   continue  forever.     Manv  arc 

*  the  comfortable  aflurances  in  holy  writ  to 
'  thofe  who  keep  the  word  of  his  patience ; 
"  I  will  keep  fuch  in  the  hour  of  temptation, 
"  which  iliall  come  upon  all  the  earth,  to  try 
*'  them  that  dwell  therein  ;"  1  have  many 

*  times,  my  dear,  may  I  not  fay  my  beloved 

*  friends,  for  fo  at  feafons  you  have  been 

*  to  me,  tho'  at  other  times  I  hardly  dare 

*  fay  fo;  I  have  many  times  been  glad  to 

*  feel  a  little  opening  of  ftrength  with  my 
'  friends,  and  may  fay,  I  am  thankful  for 

*  this  quiet  folemn  opportunity,  for  great 
'  have  been  and  ftill  are  my  trials,  and  clofe 

*  may  be  your  provings ;  I  don't  fpeak  it  to 

*  difcGurage  any,  but  1  find  without  the  re- 

*  ne wings  of  divine  love  and  life,  we  are 
'  incapable  of  keeping  the  word  of  his  pa^ 

*  tience,  being  fo  frequently  befet  and  fur- 
^  rounded  with  weaknefs  and  infirmities ; 

*  O !  may  you,  my  dear  friends,  who  have 

*  been  called  and  anointed  for  fervices,  wit- 

*  nefs  a  renewed  lupply  of  holy  oil,  where- 
'  by  your  lamps  may  be  kept  burning,  and 

*  your  lights  fhining ;  and  experience  the 
^  law  to  go  forth  from  Zioa,  and  the  word 

of 


(  346  ) 
of  the  Lord  from  Jerufalem,  and  remem- 
ber your  covenants  made  in  the  day  of 
deep  diftrels  ;  may  you  be  fupported  thro' 
every  future  difficulty  and  trial,  and  I 
thro'  the  prefent  confli(fl ;  that  when  eve- 
ry pool  and  channel  of  comfort  fhall  be 
dried  up,  and  all  human  help  found  un- 
availing, we  may  witnefs  him  to  be  near, 
who  hath  promifed,  for  the  cry  of  the 
poor  and  for  the  fighing  of  the  needy  he 
would  arife;  therefore,  cry  mightily  to  him, 
that  we  may  know  him  to  do  fo  for  us ; 
for  I  find,  without  fenfibly  feeling  the 
drawing  cords  of  his  love,  which  opens 
and  enlarges  the  heart,  we  cannot  apply 
thofe  gracious  promifes  to  our  comfort; 
and  when  he  draws,  let  not  the  cares  of 
this  life,  nor  flavifli  and  unnecelTary  fears, 
prevent  your  following  him  faithfully, 
whatever  afflicflions  may  attend;  O!  may 
we  be  fo  prelerved  in  his  holy  hand,  as 
that  nothing  may  be  fuffered  to  pluck  us 
out  of  it,  and  io  aflifted  to  condu(ft,  as  to 
be  found  among  that  happy  number  who 
have  come  through  many  tribulations, 
where  all  forrcws  and  fighing  will  be  done 
away  and  all  tears  wiped  from  our  eyes, 
to  join  thofe  who  can  acceptably  fing  the 
fong  of  praii'e,  having  had  their  robes 
waihed  in  the  blood  of  the  lamb  and  made 
white.'  And  on  the  3^,  tho'  with  fome 
difiicuky  of  utterance,  faid,  '  Though  the 
floods  beat  high  at  times,  and  the  waves 
roared,  Ihe  w^as  then  fenfible  of  the  divine 

'  love 


(     347     ) 

love  being  prefent,  and  in  that  love  faluted 
her  friends,  as  Ihe  hoped  each  one  there 
had  in  a  greater  or  leiler  degree,  known 
the  fandlifying  power  of  religion  on  their 
minds ;  flie  very  earneftly  and  affection- 
ately urged  them  to  a  more  clofe  and  ib- 
lemn  attention  to  this  important  work, 
not  to  reft  fatisfied  fhort  of  witneffiag 
daily  advancing  forward  on  the  way  ;  thac 
when  this  earthly  tabernacle  was  diffolved, 
we  might  have  a  well  grounded  hope  of  a 
houfe  eternal  in  the  Heavens,  whofe  maker 
and  builder  was  God.  That  our  bleffed 
Saviour  had  told  his  immediate  followers, 
in  his  father's  houfe  were  many  manfions, 
and  that  he  went  to  prepare  a  place  for 
them,  that  where  he  was  they  might  be 
alfo;  and  that  tho'  the  lenfible  enjoyment 
of  divine  love  was  much  withdrawn  from 
many  who  had  formerly  been  eminently 
favoured  with  its  living  influence;  yet  not 
to  be  difcouraged,  as  living  faith  in  Chrift 
Jefus  (tho'  but  in  a  fmall  degree)  was 
abundantly  fufEcient  for  our  llrength  and 
fafety  ;  and  as  his  divine  love  ftill  continu- 
ed with  thofe  who  are  far  advanced  and 
as  on  the  verge  of  time,  it  would  alfo  be 
the  guide  and  blefled  guardian  of  the 
younger  in  years,  as  they  humbly  and 
fteadily  kept  upon  their  watch,  and  paid 
a  due  obedience  to  the  divine  inftrucflions 
of  his  holy  fpirit.' 

The  laft  night  of  her  life,  being  in  bodily 
pain,  and  under  fome   diicouragement  of 

mindi 


(     348     ) 

mind,  fhe  was  reminded  of  Tome  late  fa-^ 
vours  ot  divine  love  extended  to  her;  after 
laying  fometime  in  awful  filence,  fhe  replied, 
'  Now  1  fee  it  to  my  comfort,  that  the  Lord 
'  hath  been  with  me  through  all  this  illnefs, 

*  and  I,  at  times,  knew  it  not,  fuch  was  my 

*  diftrefled  fituation,  it  was  hard  for  me  Co 

*  believe  it.'  Afterwards  falling  into  a  fweet 
flcep,  fhe  in  about  two  hours  awaked  much 
refreflied,  and  remarked,  fhe  had  not  flepc 
Co  fweetly  in  all  her  illnefs,  for  fhe  had  been 
in  company  with  her  father's  God,  mother's 
God  and  her  God ;  afked  her  niece  (Deborah 
Morris)  who  had  with  abundant  care  at- 
tended on  her,  if  ihe  thought  life  would  hold 
all  night,  who  anfwering,  fhe  thought  it 
might,  as  the  night  was  far  fpent,  fhe  defi- 
red  her  faid  niece  would  fit  by  her  vmtil 
the  Lord  came,  (meaning  to  clofe  her  life) 
then  flumbered  again,  and  awakening,  ad- 
mired, faying,  *  It  is  flrange  I  fhould 
'  fleep  at  fuch  a  time  as  this.'  Being  told 
her  work  was  done,  and  it  was  a  favour  to 
her  fhe  could  fleep,  flie  replied,  *  I  believe 
'  it  is,  and  am  thankful ;'  inquiring  what 
time  it  was,  on  being  told  it  was  after  three 
o'clock,  fhe  lifted  up  her  hands  as  engaged  in 
mental  prayer;  foon  after  uttered  fome  words 
but  not  intelligibly,  and  feeming  again  to 
drop  into  a  iweet  fleep,  neither  If  irred  or  Ipoke 
more,  but  continuing  till  between  eight  and 
nine  o'clock,  palled  ealily  away,  on  the 
24//?  of  the  tenth  monrh  1775,  in  th-e  fe- 
venty-fecond  year  of  her  age,  and  31^?  of 

her 


(     349     ) 

Ker  mini  dry,  fitted,  no  doubt,  for  the  en- 
joyment of  that  reft,  which  is  prepared  for 
the  righteous,  having  accompHlhed  her  war- 
fare in  the  church  militant. 

Her  burial  on  the  26/^,  after  a  folemn 
meeting,  was  refpedlfully  attended  by  ma- 
ny friends  and  others  of  her  fellow-citi- 
zens, to  our  grave-yard  in  this  city. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Wrights-Town   Monthly- 
Meeting  in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Zebu- 

LON   HesTON. 

HE  appeared  early  in  the  miniflry,  con- 
tinued faithful,  and  died  in  good  uni- 
ty with  the  church.  His  miniftry  was  live- 
ly and  edifying,  in  the  exercife  whereof,  he 
feveral  times  travelled  through  this  and  the 
neighbouring  colonies :  And  at  the  age  of 
near  feventy-years,  performed  a  religious 
vifit  to  the  Delaware  Indians,  refiding  to  the 
weliward  of  Pennfylvania,  which  vifit  was 
cordially  received,  as  appears  from  a  copy 
of  a  fpeech  made  by  one  of  their  ciiiefs 
(captain  White  Eyes)  and  the  delivery  of  a 
belt  at  the  fame  time  in  token  of  triendlliip, 
at  a  meeting  for  worihip  in  their  town  on 
the  river  Muikingum,  which  were  produced 
to  our  meeting  at  his  return. 

In  his  laft  illnefs,  he  exprelfed  his  fatis- 
facflion  with  the  dutiful  deportment  of  his 
children  towards  him  as  a  parent,  and  gave 

them 


(35^) 

them  falutary  advice ;  exhorting  them,  *  Not 
to  give  their  minds  too  much  to  temporal 
things,  nor  feek  after  v^orldly  enjoyments, 
but  learn  to  get  w^ifdom  and  underftand- 
ing,  which  would  make  them  fhine  as 
Itars  in  the  firmament ;  and  to  remember 
their  feveral  duties,  and  be  ready  at  the 
cock-crow,  or  at  midnight;  praying  his 
God  and  father  to  be  with  them  and  blefs 
them.'  After  a  time  of  jQlence,  he  faid, 
I  am  at  peace  with  all  men.  Lord  thou 
haft  been  with  me  in  times  paft,  be  with 
me  in  my  lait  moments,  and  1  pray  my 
God  and  father,  that  he  will  bear  me  up 
as  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand,  to  my  ever- 
lafting  home.' 
In  regard  to  outward  affairs,  he  exprefTed 

himfelf  in  the  following  manner,  *  If  the 
world  would  have  lived  in  love  and  unity 
one  with  another,  it  appears  to  me,  that 
no  good  thing  would  have  been  withhold- 
en  from  us,  but  it  ieems  to  be  dark  times, 
and  things  lay  very  w^ide.  But  it  looketh 
to  me,  there  will  be  a  gathering  home 
from  off  the  barren  mountains  and  defert 
hills,  of  them  that  are  little  thought  of  at 
this  time.  Lord,  let  thy  will  be  done  and 
not  mine.  If  it  be  thy  will  that  1  mafl 
depart  from  my  brethren  in  the  time  of 
their  trouble,  I  willingly  yield  in  obedi- 
ence. If  it  be  thy  will  that  I  fliould  be 
fpared  a  while  longer,  I  willingly  bear 
my  part  of  the  burdens  whatfbever  thou 
pleafeft   to  lay  upon  me,'     Many  more 

fimilar 


(    351     ) 

fimilar  exprefTions,  he  frequently  uttered 
during  his  lafl:  iUnefs,  under  which  he  was 
fupported  in  a  truly  pious  and  refigned  flate 
of  mind. 

He  departed  this  life,  the  1 2th  of  the  third 
month  1776,  in  the  feventy- fourth  year  of 
his  age. 


A  Tellhnony  from  King  wood  Monthly-Meeting 
mNew- Jerley, concerningy{&iK y  Ho R n E R. 

SH  E  was  born  at  Mansfield,  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Burluigton,  New-Jerfey,  in  the 
year  1736,  of  parents  in  memberfliip  with 
friends,  and  was  educated  in  the  profeflion 
of  the  truth  as  held  by  us.  Her  tender 
mind  while  in  her  minority,  was  fenfibly 
reached  with  a  divine  vifitation  of  the  love 
of  God,  and  as  fhe  grew  to  riper  years,  fhe 
was  preferved  in  a  good  degree  of  circum- 
fpe(5l  walking  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord;  her 
converfation  being  ferious,  fenfible  and 
guarded,  and  oftentimes  her  grave  deport- 
ment was  ufeful  as  a  check  to  her  compani- 
ons. In  the  year  1757  Ihe  was  married  to 
Ifaac  Horner,  and  filled  the  ftation  of  a 
faithful  and  prudent  wife  and  mother.  In 
the  beginning  of  the  year  1768,  flie  appear- 
ed in  public  as  a  minifter,  her  teftimony 
being  Ihort  and  lively.  In  the  year  1770, 
file  removed  with  her  hufband  and  family, 
to  fettle  within  the  compafs  of  this  meeting, 

and 


(  352  ) 
and  lias  fince  refided  among  us.  She  was 
remarkaWe  for  her  unreferved  charitable 
opennels  and  innocent  freedom  of  deport- 
ment towards  all;  and  through  the  influ- 
ence of  the  love  of  God  fhed  abroad  in  her 
heart,  by  a  life  of  unaffe(5led  piety,  and  a 
godly  circumfpedlion  of  condu6l  and  de- 
portment, flie  obtained  a  good  report.  She 
was  divers  times,  with  the  concurrence  of 
her  friends,  engaged  in  gofpel  love,  in  vifit- 
ing  meetings  abroad,  and  had  good  fervice 
in  vifiting  families,  not  only  within  the  com- 
pafs  of  this  monthly- meeting,  but  others. 

Having  taken  a  cold,  it  brought  on  a  de- 
cay, under  which  ihe  languifhed  upwards 
of  eight  months,  near  half  of  which  time  flie 
neverthelefs  attended  meetings.  During  her 
indifpofition,  her  quiet  compofure  of  fpirit, 
and  cheerful  refignation  to  the  will  of  her 
heavenly  mafter  was  truly  edifying.  She 
told  a  friend  who  vifited  her  not  long  before 
her  departure,  that  '  Though  death  appear- 

*  ed  a  dark  pailage,  yet  all  was  light  beyond 
'  it.*  And  to  another,  who  at  parting,  bid 
her  farewell,  (he  faid,  '  I  fliall  fare  well 
'  when  I  am  rid  of  this  body.'  She  was 
remarkably  clear  in  her  underflanding,  and 
faid,    '  Though   bodily   weaknefs    prevail- 

*  ed,  yet  her  fpirit  felt  no  diminution  of 
'  ftrength ;'  and  exhorted  thofe  about  her, 
to  place  their  reliance  on   the  Lord   alone, 

*  A  confidence,'  faid  fhe,  *  In  which  1  have 

*  never  been  difappointed.' 

One 


(     353     ) 

One  evening  near  her  clofe,  flie  broke  forth 
into  expreffions  of  praile  to  tlie  Almighty, 
and  humble  acknowledgments,  *  That  he 
'  had   to  her,  performed  all  his  promifes, 

*  had    prepared    and    fandlified    her,     and 

*  brought  her  to  that  hour;  and  that  Ihe 

*  fhould  praife  him  as  long  as  fhe  continued 

*  in  the  body,  and  at  the  conclufion,  cheer- 

*  fully  furrender  hufband  and  children,  and 

*  all  that  he  had  given  her,  into  his  hands.' 
In  or  near  her  lad  hour,  {lie  beckoned  her 

hufbaad,  to  come  and  take  his  leave  of  her, 
and   then  compofedly  faid,     *  Thou  art  a 

*  welcome   meiTenger,    thou  art  welcome, 

*  take  me  quickly.' 

She  died  the  31/  of  the  fifth  month  1776, 
in  the  fortieth  year  of  her  age,  having  been 
engaged  in  the  miniftry  upwards  of  8  years. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Salem    'Monthly -Meeting  in 
New-Jerfey,  concerning  James  Daniel. 

F.  was  born  of  pious  parents,  and  there- 
by knew  the  advantage  of  a  religious 
education,  which  he  fre^jucatly  exprelTed 
by  way  of  encouragement  to  parents  and 
youth,  as  a  means  by  which  he  had  in  a 
good  degree  been  guarded  in  the  time  of  his 
youth,  from  the  vanities  of  the  world. 
Yet  as  he  grew  in  years  he  clearly  faw  he 
wanted  the  experimental  part  of  the  chrifli- 
an  religion,  v/itliout  which  he  could  notat- 
A  a  tain 


(    354    ) 

tain  to  that  which  his  foul  exceedingly  tortg- 
ed  for  ;  and  under  a  fenfe  of  this  want,  was 
brought  at  times  very  low,  and  for  lome 
years  had  to  pafs  through  a  flate  of  mourn- 
ing and  deep  exercife,  being  baptized  as  un- 
der the  cloud  and  in  the  fea  in  a  fpiritual 
fenfe ;  which  brought  him  to  a  paffive  fub- 
miffion  to  the  divine  will,  fo  that  it  plealed 
the  Lord,  in  the  returns  of  his  favour,  to 
vifit  him  with  the  day  fpring  from  on  high; 
and  having  learned  obedience  through  the 
things  that  he  fuffered,  he  gave  up  to  the 
heavenly  vifion,  and  came  forth  in  the  mi- 
niftry  in  a  few  words,  moftly  in  fcripture 
language,  in  great  fimplicity;  and  altho' 
not  eloquent,  yet  being  faithful  in  the  little, 
he  became  much  enlarged  in  his  gift,  having 
clear  openings  in  the  fcriptures,  and  at  times 
much  favoured  with  clear  profpedls  of  the 
flates  of  meetings  and  individuals,  that  he 
had  to  fpeak  to  fecret  and  hidden  things,  in 
the  demonftration  of  the  fpirit  and  with 
power,  which  reached  the  witnefs  in  many 
hearts.  He  was  a  father  to  the  young  in 
experience,  and  zealous  to  reprove  lightnefs 
and  vanity  where  he  faw  occafion. 

He  travelled  in  the  work  of  the  miniftry, 
in  feveral  of  the  American  provinces,  and 
once  to  EngUnd,  of  which  fervices  we  had 
comfortable  accounts.  He  was  zealous  for 
the  fupport  of  our  chriftian  diicipline,  was 
favoured  with  a  good  underftandi ng,  exem- 
plary in  his  life  and  converfation,  and  lived 
much  in  the  fimpiicicy  of  tiie  truth,  which 

made 


(     355     ) 
tnd.de  him  near  to  his  friends,  and  a  ufeful 
member  in  fociety.     Being  weak   in   body^ 
a  conliderable   time   before  his  deceafe,  he 
faid,   '  It  feemed  as  if  his  day's  work  was 

*  done,  and  nothing  lay  upon  him  ;*  obferv- 
ing  that  fome  worthy  friends  had  of  late 
been  removed  without  much  fore/ight  of 
their  latter  end,  and  had  not  much  to  com- 
municate, he  faid,  '  If  it  iliould  be  his  cafe, 

*  he  would  not  have  it  looked  upon  as  in 
'  difpleafure,  for  he  was  clear  and  eafy  in 
'  his  mind,  and  that  he  believed  his  Itay 

*  would  not  be  long;'  which  proved  accord- 
ing to  his  profpedl ;  for  being  taken  with 
fomething  of  a  quinfy  followed  by  an  ague, 
he  faid,  *  He  thought  that  would  be  his  laft 

illnefs,'  adding,  *  I  have  never  been  de- 
lirous  to  know  when  my  time  was  near  at 
an  end,  but  have  long  been  delirous  to 
live  fo  ag  to  be  ready,  and  I  think  I  am 
ready.  I  have  endeavoiu'ed  to  be  faithful 
in  the  difcharge  of  my  duty  in  every  re- 
fpecl,  and  have  nothing  lies  againft  me, 
but  feem  at  quiet.  I  have  in  other  illnefles 
been  pretty  much  religned,  yet  there  feem- 
ed fomething  of  a  choice  to  live,  but  in 
this  I  have  not  that  choice,  but  I  am  rea- 
dy.' He  quietly  palTed  away,  after  a  ftiorc 
illneis  of  about  fifteen  hours,  on  the  I'dtb 
of  the  twelfth  month  1776 ;  aged  feven- 
ty-two  years.  Having  been  a  minifler  about 
40  years, 

A  a  2  A  Tejlimon^ 


{     356    ) 

A  Te/iimony  from  ^veih^m.  Monthly- Meeting  in 
New-Jerley, concerning WAt< n A h  Fost e r. 

H  E  was  the  daughter  of  Enoch  and 
Sarah  Gore,  of  Eveiham  aforefaid,  and 
was  born  the  17//6  day  of  the  tenth  month 
lyio;  her  father  dying  while  flie  was  very 
young,  left  her  and  three  other  children  un- 
der the  care  of  their  mother,  whofe  religi- 
ous concern  for  them  was  very  great;  as 
fome  of  us  have  heard  our  faid  friend,  often 
exprefs  both  in  public  and  private. 

She  was  naturally  of  a  cheerful  difpofiti- 
on,  and  at  times  when  young  in  years,  fhe 
fuflered  an  airy  fpirit  to  prevail  fo  far  as  to 
lead  her  into  lightnefs,  yet,  thro*  divine  fa- 
vour, the  folid  inftruclion  and  example  of 
her  mother,  had  fuch  influence  on  her  mind, 
as  to  preferve  her  from  grofs  evils ;  which 
we  have  often  heard  her  exprefs  with  awful 
reverence. 

In  the  year  1729,  {he  was  married  to  our 
friend  William  Fofler,  and  entered  into  the 
care  of  a  family,  at  which  time,  the  cares 
of  this  world  had  great  efFecft  on  her  mind, 
as  fbme  of  her  laft  expreffions  herein  after 
mentioned  will  more  clearly  evince. 

Som-e  time  after  her  marriage,  it  pleafed 
the  Lord  to  renew  his  vihtation  of  love  to 
her  foul,  and  to  fliew  her  the  vanity  of  all 
temporal  enjoyments  without  his  love;  and 
file  yielding  obedience  to  the  heavenly  vifion^ 
and  being  given  up  to  itrvc  the  Lord,   had 

a  gifc 


(     357    ) 

a  gift  in  the  miniftry  committed  to  her,  In 
which  we  have  reafon  to  believe,  fhe  was  in 
a  good  degree  faithful  to  improve,  and 
through  divine  aid,  became  a  lively  rainifter. 

She  vihted  mod  of  the  meetings  on  the 
continent  of  America,  except  ibme  part  of 
Virginia  and  Carolina;  and  the  accounts 
received  of  her  religious  labour  in  the  mini- 
flry,  were  comfortable  and  fatisfa(5lory. 
Her  humble  awful  waiting  in  religious 
meetings  was  edifying ;  flie  was  much  con- 
cerned that  good  order  might  be  preferved, 
and  careful  to  example  and  admonilh  her 
offspring  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  more  than 
to  influence  their  minds  to  feek  after  the 
treafures  that  are  tranfitory  and  perifhing. 
A  near  fympathizer  with  the  afHicted,  either 
in  body  or  mind,  often  viiiting  fuch  and 
adminiftring  to  their  relief. 

Towards  the  latter  part  of  her  time,  her 
health  was  much  impaired,  yet  flie  grew 
more  lively  in  the  miniftry,  and  in  fome 
of  the  lad  meetings  Ihe  attended,  was  en- 
abled in  a  folemn  manner,  to  invite  the 
youth  to  join  the  heavenly  call  of  God, 
and  to  be  faithful  in  their  gifts,  and  then 
they  would  be  raifed  like  an  army  in  his 
power,  to  fubdue  the  works  of  darknefs, 
which  flie  faw  much  prevailed  amongfl:  them; 
remarking  fome  parts  of  the  epiflle  from 
our  laft  yearly-meeting,  refpeding  fome 
hopeful  youths  who  attended  that  folemn 
fervice. 

In 


(  358  ) 
In  her  laft  ficknefs,  which  tho'  fhort,  was 
fharp,  fhe  was  prcferved  in  much  patience 
and  ftillnefs ;  and  when  it  was  apprehended 
flie  was  near  expiring,  a  friend  who  came 
to  vifit  her,  taking  leave  of  thofe  attending 
her,  fhe  held  out  her  hand  to  the  faid  friend 
and  dcfired  to  be  raifed  up,  when  with  con- 
fiderable  difficulty  Ihe  faid,  *  That  there  was 

*  a  time  when   her   heart   and  mind   was 

*  much  fet  on  the  world  and  the  things  of 

*  it,  and  it  proipered  with  her  according  to 

*  her  defire;    but  flie  blelTed  the  name  of 

*  the  Lord,   who  foon  let  her  fee  the  vanity 

*  and  emptinefs  of  all  worldly  treafure,  and 

*  that  file  was  thankful  he  had  enabled  her 

*  to  yield  obedience  to  the  heavenly  vifitati-^ 

*  on,    and  in  fome  degree  to  anfwer  his  re- 

*  quirings,    for   it  now   yielded   her  more 

*  peace,   than  if  fhe  had   pofTefhon  of  the 

*  whole  world,   if  it  was  of  tenfold  more 

*  value  than  it  is ;  and  that  her  prayers  had 

*  often  been  to  the  Lord,  that  he  might  yet 

*  favour  the  rifing  generation  with  the  like 

*  vifitation  of  his  love,'  with  fome  other 
words  which  could  not  be  underllood.  I^he 
appeared  in  a  fweet  frame  of  mind,  and  af- 
ter a  fhort  paufe,  took  her  folemn  leave  of 
the  faid  friend;  after  which  flie  lay  flill, 
and  in  a  few  hours  quietly  departed  this  life, 
on  the  i/^th  of  the  firfl  month  1777,  and 
was  buried  in  friends  burying-ground  at 
Evefham  the  17/^7  of  the  fame,  where  a  fo- 
lemn meeting  was  held ;  aged  fixty-fix  and 
^  miniller  upwards  of  40  years. 

A  Tejlwiony 


(     359    ) 

A  Teflimanyfrom  the  Falls  Monthly -Meeting  in 
Bucks  county^  concerning  Joseph  White. 

AS  the  memory  of  the  juft  is  pronounced 
blefled,  we  think  it  expedient  to  give 
forth  a  teflimony  concerning  this  our  e- 
fteemed  friend. 

He  was  born  at  the  Falls  the  28^^?  of  the 
eleventh  month  17 12- 13;  being  young 
when  his  father  died,  he  was  brought  up 
under  the  care  of  his  relations  and  friends : 
And  through  the  early  extendings  of  hea- 
venly regard  whilft  young,  and  attending 
to  the  teachings  of  divine  grace,  he  was  led 
and  preferved  from  many  of  the  follies  and 
extr;?.vagances  incident  to  unthinking  youth. 
About  the  twentieth  year  of  his  age  he  ap- 
peared in  public  teflimony  in  our  religious 
meetings,  and  continuing  in  a  good  degree 
faithful  to  the  meafure  of  light  and  grace 
communicated,  he  grew  in  his  gift,  and  be- 
came a  lively  and  able  minifter. 

He  was  naturally  of  an  open  cheerful 
difpofition,  and  honeftly  concerned  for  the 
promotion  of  piety  and  virtue,  and  for  the 
fupport  and  maintenance  of  good  order  in 
the  church;  for  which  fervice  he  was  emi- 
nently gifted,  and  truly  ferviceable  amongfl: 
us,  being  often  concerned  that  the  authority 
of  truth  might  be  kept  up  in  all  our  meet- 
ings of  difcipline,  and  that  true  judgment 
migiit  be  placed  upon  the  dilbrderly  and 
irreclaunable.     He  was  exemplary  in   his 

life 


(    36o    ) 

life  and  converfation,  a  diligent  and  timely 
attender  of  our  religious  meetings  when 
health  of  body  permitted ;  and  was  often 
flivoured  therein  in  public  teftimony  and 
fupplication,  much  to  the  comfort  and  edi- 
fication of  the  truly  humble  waiters.  And 
altho'  he  had  a  large  gift  in  the  miniftry, 
he  many  times  fat  meetings  in  filence,  wait- 
ing upon  the  Lord,  not  being  hafty  or  for- 
ward in  the  exercile  of  his  gift;  but  careful 
not  to  minifler  without  the  heavenly  life 
and  power  that  firll  raifed  him  up  in  the 
miniltry,  whereby  his  public  fervice  was 
greatly  to  the  confolation  and  refrefhment 
of  many'. 

He  feveral  times  had  a  concern  to  vilit 
the  churches  abroad,  and  with  the  concur- 
rence of  this  meeting,  vifited  many  of  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  this  and  feveral  of  the 
adjacent  provinces,  and  once  through  fome 
parts  of  Maryland,  Virginia  and  North- 
Carolina  :  And  having  for  fome  confidera- 
ble  time  been  under  a  weighty  concern  to 
pay  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in  feveral 
parts  of  Europe,  he  with  the  concurrence 
and  unity  of  his  friends  took  fliipping  for 
that  purpofe  in  the  year  1758,  and  atter  a 
fhort  paflage  landed  in  England,  and  having 
pretty  generally  vifited  friends  meetings  in 
England  and  Ireland,  and  fome  parts  of 
Wales,  he  returned  to  his  family  and  friends, 
having  been  from  home  in  truth's  fervice 
near  three  years :    And  at  his  return  from 

thefe 


(    36i     ) 

thefe  vifits  produced  certificates  of  friends 
unity  and  good  fatisfadlion  with  him,  and 
his  pubUc  fervice  amongll  them. 

He  was  divers  times  appointed  and  en- 
gaged in  the  fervice  of  vificing  families,  be- 
ing well  qualified  for  that  weighty  fervice. 

He  much  loved  the  company  and  conver- 
fation  of  his  friends ;  was  a  loving  and  af- 
fectionate hufband,  a  tender  parent  and  a 
good  neighbour,  generally  beloved  by  his 
friends  and  others  that  knew  him,  being  in 
feveral  refpecfls  uleful  and  ferviceable  in  the 
neighbourhood  where  he  lived. 

He  was  attended  from  his  youth  at  times, 
with  a  pain  at  his  breaft,  with  intermiflions 
of  health,  fometimes  for  years,  and  at  other 
times  but  iliort ;  but  as  he  advanced  further 
in  age,  intermifTions  of  health  grew  fliorc 
and  pain  increaled,  which  brought  on  other 
bodily  infirmities,  which  he  bore  with  pa- 
tience and  refignation,  often  craving  he 
might  not  be  of}  his  watch  when  his  pains 
were  exquiiite,  nor  his  faith  fail  in  the  time 
of  trial,  believing  it  to  be  the  goodnefs  of 
God,  through  his  thus  dealing  with  him, 
more  and  more  to  wean  him  from  all  out- 
ward connedlions  and  nearefl  ties  of  nature, 
that  being  as  the  pure  gold,  refined  through 
the  furnace,  he  might  with  triumph  join 
the  redeemed  that  were  gone  before,  which 
he  at  times  had  a  foretafle  and  evidence  of; 
but  the  time  when,  as  he  himfelf  fometimes 
expreifed,  he  did  not  then  fee,  believing  ic 
to  be  confifcent  with  divine  wifdom  to  keep 
it  hid  from  him. 

The 


(    362    ) 

The  latter  part  of  his  time  for  feveral 
months,  he  flept  but  litte  in  the  night  fea- 
fon,  being  at  times  engaged  in  reverent  in- 
terceffions  and  divine  contemplation,  and 
appeared  to  be  waiting  for  the  folemn  mo- 
ment. 

He  lived  in  the  compafs  of  the  Falls  par- 
ticular meeting  until  a  few  years  before  his 
death,  and  then  removed  to  Makefield,  (a 
branch  of  the  fame  monthly-meeting,)  and 
having  for  fome  months  felt  ftrong  defires 
(if  favoured  with  health)  to  go  to  the  Falls 
meeting,  and  on  a  monthly-meeting  day  fet 
out  to  go  there  ;  but  the  weather  being  cold 
and  he  in  a  weak  flate  of  health,  foon  found 
himfelf  unable  to  perform  the  journey,  and 
returned  home.  But  fometime  after  feeling 
his  bodily  ftrength  fomewhat  reftored,  and 
love  renewed,  he  fet  out,  in  company  with 
his  wife,  one  firft-day  morning,  and  got  to 
the  meeting  where  he  was  favoured  with  an 
open  time  in  public  teflimony,  much  to  the 
fatisfadion  of  thofe  prefent.  After  the  meet- 
ing was  over  and  friends  gone  out,  a  friend 
being  deiirous  of  fpeaking  to  him,  not  feeing 
him  out  of  doors,  returned  into  the  houfe, 
and  found  him  fitting  on  a  feat,  unable  to 
move  without  help;  the  friend  affilled  him, 
and  took  him  to  his  houfe,  where  he  was 
taken  care  of :  The  fit  being  of  the  paraly- 
tick  kind,  was  much  more  favourable  thaa 
at  lorae  other  times,  tiio'  it  continued  eb- 
bing and  flowing  for  feveral  hours  j  in  which 

time 


(    363    ) 

time  he  exprefTed  feveral  things,  fome  o£ 

which  being  then  taken  down,  are  nearly  as 

follows. 

Being  alked  by  his  fon  Samuel  how  it  was 

with  him;  he  anfwered,  *  I  dont  know  but 
that  I  am  near  my  end.  My  defire  at  this 
time  for  thee  is,  that  thou  feek  unto  the 
Lord  for  ailiflance,  to  govern  thee  in  thy 
conducfl  in  this  flu(?luating  hfe»  for  1  have 
found  him  to  be  a  fare  help  and  counfellor 
to  me;  and  if  thou  follow  after  him  in 
truth  and  fincericy,  as  I  have  endeavoured 
to  doy  he  will  be  unto  thee  a  fufficienC 
director,  a  teacher  that  cannot  be  removed 
into  a  corner :  I  have  not  been  anxious  to 
gather  a  portion  of  this  world,  nor  make 
to  myfelf  mammon  of  unrighteoufnefs, 
for  I  think  I  have  feen  a  fnare  that  has  at- 
tended many  young  people  on  thefe  ac- 
counts. I  have  ever  from  my  youth  had 
a  defire  to  be  more  in  fubftance  than  in 
(hew :  Let  me  appear  as  I  might  in  the 
fight  of  men,  their  praife  I  Ibught  not 
for;  but  I  have  fought  the  honour  of  God, 
therefore  there  is  a  place  where  no  trouble 
fliall  annoy,  prepared  for  me  as  a  reward 
for  obedience :  You  that  flay,  be  more 
humble,  and  when  trouble  awaits  you, 
look  not  upon  nor  trufl  to  the  arm  of  ilefli 
for  ailiflance,  but  flay  yourfelves  upon 
him  who  fuffered  for  you,  for  me,  and 
for  all  mankind;  for  I  have  for  fometime 
believed,    and  lived  in  the  hopes  thereof, 

*  ^nd  am  now  in  meafure  confirmed,  of 

*  more 


{    364    ) 

*  more  glorious  things  yet  to  be  revealed  to 
'  the  church  of  Chrill,  and  that  further  and 

*  greater  difcoveries  will  yet  be  made,  with 

*  refpe6l  to  the  chriftian  religion  than  ever 

*  yet  has  been  fince  the  apoftafy.' 

And  after  a  ihort  paufe  he  broke  forth  in 
thefe  exprelBons,  '  The  door  is  open,  1  fee 
an  innunnerable  company  of  faints,  of  an- 
gels, and  of  the  fpirits  of  juft  men,  which 
I  long  to  be  unbodied  to  be  with,  but  not 
my  will,  but  thy  v/ill  be  done  O  Lord !  I 
cannot  utter  nor  my  tongue  exprefs,  what 
I  feel  of  that  light,  life  and  love  that  at- 
tends me,  which  the  world  cannot  give, 
neither  can  it  take  away  from  me.  My 
fins  are  wafhed  away  by  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb  that  was  flain  from  the  foundation 
of  the  world:  All  rags  and  filtliinefs  are 
taken  away,  and  in  room  thereof  love  and 
good  will  for  all  mankind :  O  that  we  may 
become  more  united  in  the  church  mili-^ 
tant,  and  nearer  refemble  the  church 
triumphant!  O  that  we  all  might  make 
fuch  an  end  as  I  have  in  profpe(51:,  for  its 
all  light,  all  life,  all  love  and  all  peace, 
the  light  that  I  fee  is  more  glorious  than 
the  fun  in  the  firmament;  come  Lord  Je- 
fus  Chrift,  come  when  thou  pleafes,  thy 
fervant  is  ready  and  willing ;  into  thy 
hands  I  commit  my  Iplrit,  not  my  will, 
but  thy  will  be  done  O  Lord!  Let  this 
mortal  body  be  committed  to  the  dull,  be 
with  me,  with  my  children  and  my  grand- 
children J  be  with  all  them  that  love  thee. 


*  that  love  thy  appearance.     O  the  pains 

*  that  I  feel,   that  attend  this  mortal  body, 

*  they  are  more  comely  to  me  than  jewels  1 

*  I  rejoice  in  my  fighs  and  groans,  for  to 

*  me  they  are  mod  melodious  ;   I  am  near 
'  to  enter  that  harmony  with  Mofes  and  the 

*  Lamb,   where  they  cry  holy,  holy,  holy, 

*  I  cannot  exprefs  the  joy  1  feel.     My  heart 

*  (if  it  were  poffible)  would  break  for  joy: 
'  If  any  inquire  after  me,   after  my  end, 

*  let  them  know  all  is  well  with  me.* 
Many  more  weighty  exprefTions  he  fpoke, 

which  not  being  taken  down,  cannot  be  re- 
colledled. 

The  next  day  his  pain  abating,  and  find- 
ing himfelf  fomewhat  relieved  from  his  dii^ 
order,  he  was  taken  to  his  own  houfe,  where 
he  remained  in  a  weak  ilate  of  health  for 
fometime,  being  unable  to  go  much  abroad. 
And  one  night  fome  Ihort  time  before  his 
death,  his  pain  had  been  fharp  the  forepart 
of  the  night,  but  the  latter  part  it  abating, 
his  wife  lay  down  by  him,  and  fell  afleep, 
but  he  as  ufaal  flept  not,  but  after  fome- 
time called  to  his  wife  in  thefe  words :  *  My 

*  dear,  I  believe  I  mud  take  my  leave  of 

*  thee.  I  have  never  feen  my  end  till  now, 
^  and  now  1  fee  it  is  near,  and  the  holy  an- 

*  gels  enclofe  me  around,  waiting  to  receive 

*  me;'  his  V7ife  afl^ed  him  if  ihe  Ihould  call 
"Up  the  children,  he  faid,  he  did  not  fee  any 
thing  further  he  had  to  fay  to  them,  except 
to  his  fon  Jofeph,  who  being  called,  and  he 
having  expreft  what  he  had  on  his  mind, 

was 


(    366    ) 

^as  much  fpent,  and  appeared  as  tho'  he 
was  near  his  defired  port;  but  after  fome- 
time  he  revived,  with  thefe  words,  '  Life 
*  is  yet  flrong  in  me  and  will  not  yield ;' 
thus  he  continued  the  few  concluding  days^ 
waiting  in  refignarion  and  retirednels  of 
mind,  vmtil  the  repeated  returns  of  the  pa- 
ralytick  complaint  reduced  his  faculties  and 
fenfes  fo,  that  he  knew  not  what  was  done 
for  fome  days,  and  departed  in  much  ftill- 
nefs  as  in  a  fleep,  the  loth  day  of  the  third 
mionth  1777,  and  was  decently  interr'd  in 
friends  burying-ground  at  the  Falls  meet- 
ing-houfe,  the  12th  of  the  fame;  his  body 
being  attended  to  the  grave  by  a  number  of 
friends  and  neighbours. 

May  we  under  the  confideration  of  our 
great  lofs  of  him,  and  many  other  faithful 
labourers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard,  now  re- 
moved from  us,  be  excited  fo  to  follow  their 
footfleps,  that  with  them,  we  may  be  par- 
takers of  that  incorruptible  inheritance, 
which  is  referved  for  the  righteous,  when 
time  here  fhall  be  no  more. 

Aged  fixty-four,  and  a  minifter  about  44 
years. 


A  Tejlimcm^ 


(  367  ) 

A  Tejiimony  from  Haddonfield  Monthly-Meet^' 
ifig  in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Joseph 
Gibson. 

PRECIOUS  is  the  memory  of  the  righ- 
teous, thofe  who  have  been  bright  ex- 
amples of  hoUnefs  in  their  day,  and  therein 
preachers  to  others  in  Ufe  and  converfation : 
It  lives  in  our  hearts  to  give  this  lliort  tefli- 
mony,  that  fuch  was  our  ancient  and  be- 
loved friend  Jofeph  Gibfon,  an  elder  of  this 
meeting.  He  was  born  at  Woodbury  in  the 
year  1690,  and  became  early  acquainted  with 
the  feafoning  virtue  of  truth,  which  pre- 
ferved  him  in  a  good  degree,  from  the  vani- 
ties of  youth,  and  made  him  in  love  with 
plainnefs  and  fobriety  while  young ;  by  a 
watchful  attention  to  this  divine  principle, 
he  attained  a  pious  and  innocent  (lability  of 
condudl  through  life,  not  often  equalled; 
that  it  may  be  juftly  faid,  he  was  '*  An  If- 
"  raelite  indeed  in  whom  there  was  no 
*'  guile."  A  diligent  attender  of  meetings, 
and  a  lively  example  there,  in  awful  hum- 
ble labour  for  that  bread  which  flrengthens 
and  nourilhes  the  foul ;  wherein  he  continu- 
ed Ileadfaft  to  his  concluding  period.  We 
could  enlarge,  but  conclude  with  the  words 
of  the  Pfalmift,  "  Mark  the  perfe(ft  man, 
*'  and  behold  the  upright,  for  the  end  of 
*'  that  man  is  peace ;"  whicii  we  believe 
was  in  an  eminent  degree  the  cafe  of  this  our 
friend,   who  "  Being  dead,  yet  Ipeakecli." 

He 


(    368    ) 

He  departed  this  life,  after  a  fiiort  illnefs, 
on  the  9/Z?  of  the  fourth  month  1777,  and 
was  buried  the  nth,  in  friends  burying- 
ground  at  Woodbury  aforefaid ;  aged  about 
eighty-feven  years. 


A  Teftimony  from.  Pipe-Creek  Monthly-Meeting 
in  Maryland,  concerning  Rachkl  Far- 
QUHAR,  late  wife  of  William  Farquhar 
junr. 

SH  E  was  born  at  Caftlefliane,  in  Ireland, 
in  the  year  1737,  and  removed  to  Penn- 
fylvania  with  her  parents,  John  and  Eliza- 
beth Wright,  who,  after  fome  years,  fettled 
in  York  county,  within  the  compafs  of  War- 
rington monthly-meeting,  of  which  (he  was 
a  member,  till  her  marriage  and  removal 
with  her  hufband  to  Pipe- Creek, 

She  was  religioufly  inclined  when  young; 
and  about  the  fifteenth  year  of  her  age,  by 
a  frefli  vifitation  of  divine  love,  v>ras  en- 
gaged to  feek  after  divine  wifdom;  fo  that 
Ihe  became  an  early  example  of  piety  and 
virtue;  an  encourager  and  promoter  of  vir- 
tuous inclinations  in  her  companions  and 
acquaintance  ;  her  lleady  conduct,  and  kind 
and  exem^plary  converflition,,  gained  the  love 
and  efteem  of  her  friends  and  neighbours. 

After  her  marriage,  which  was  near  the 
beginning  of  the  twenty- third  year  of  her 
age,    ihe  continued  a  diligent  attender  of 

meetings 


(     369    ) 

meetings  for  worfliip  and  difclpllne  when 
ability  of  body  would  admit;  and  when 
there,  was  of  an  exemplary  folid  deportment, 
fo  that  llie  was  favoured  to  become  a  ufeful 
member  of  fociety,  of  found  judgment. 

She  firft  appeared  in  the  miniftry  in  the 
fecond  month  1771,  and  tho'  not  large  was 
pertinent  in  tellimony ;  often  admoniihing 
fuch  as  were  forgetful  of  their  known  duties, 
and  fliarply  reproving  where  a  wrong  fpirit 
prevailed :  Yet  frequently  fpeaking  com- 
fortably to  the  bowed  down  mourners  in 
Zion,  with  whom  Ihe  often  travelled  in  fpi- 
rit, endeavouring  according  to  her  ability, 
to  lend  a  hand  of  help  to  fuch. 

The  laft  meeting  llie  was  at,  was  on  a 
firfl-day,  about  a  week  before  llie  died,  in 
which  Ihe  was  much  favoured,  and  fpake 
concerning  Ifrael's  journey  from  Egypt  to 
Canaan,  advifmg  not  to  fettle  ftiort  of  a  pof- 
feiTion  in  the  promifed  land.  As  Ihe  was 
walking  home  with  her  hufband  rn  a  folid 
frame  of  mind,  Ihe  faid,  *  In  my  father's 
'  houfe  are  m^ny    manhons ;'    fignifying, 

*  If  flie  might  be  favoured  with  one  of  the 

*  lead  of  them,  ihe  would  be  content.' 
She  departed   this  life,  the    i<^th  of  the 

fourth  month  1777,  and  v/as  interr'd  in  the 
family  burying- ground  on  the  11ft  of  the 
fame  month  ;  in  the  fortieth  year  of  her 
age  and  'jth  of  her  miuiilry. 

B  b  A  Tijlimonf 


(    370    ) 

A  Tejlimony  from  the  Monthly -Meeting  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, concerning  Mary  Emlen. 

THIS  our  beloved  friend  arrived  in 
Pennfylvania,  with  her  parents  Ro- 
bert and  Suiannah  Heath,  from  Great-Bri- 
tain, about  the  year  1701,  in  the  ninth  of 
her  age;  and  in  17 16,  was  married  to 
George  Emlen  and  fettled  in  this  city. 

About  the  year  1728,  a  remarkable  vi- 
fitation  being  extended  to  friends  in  this  city, 
the  hearts  of  divers  were  humbled,  and,  in 
the  efficacy  of  divine  love,  feveral  were 
conftrained  to  open  their  mouths  in  our  re- 
ligious aflemblies,  in  public  teftimony,  and 
acknowledgments  of  the  Lord's  goodnefs 
and  gracious  dealings  with  their  fouls. 

Our  worthy  friend  Daniel  Stanton,  in  his 
journal,  mentions  this  as  a  memorable  time, 
and  names  the  feveral  friends  who  then 
came  forth  in  the  miniftry,  of  which  num- 
ber this  friend  was  one ;  who  being  faith- 
ful, grew  in  her  gift,  and  not  only  laboured 
in  this  city,  but  divers  times  was  drawn 
forth  in  the  love  of  the  gofpel,  to  vifit  the 
meetings  in  other  parts  of  Pennfylvania  and 
New-Jerfey.  And  in  the  year  1744,  in  com- 
pany with  our  dear  friend  Mary  Evans,  vi- 
iiced  the  meetings  of  friends  in  New- En- 
gland ;  and  was  feveral  times  engaged  with 
others  in  the  weighty  and  profitable  work  of 
"vifiting  the  tamiies  of  friends  in  this  city, 
^nd  through  divers  meetings  in  the  country ; 

in 


(    371     ) 

in  which  fervices,  her  labours  were  accepta- 
ble, being  qualified  in  a  peculiar  manner 
for  that  work. 

Her  minirtry  was  lively,  and  delivered 
in  much  innocency  and  brokennefs  of  Ipirit. 
Being  a  woman  of  integrity,  fhe  loved  chrif- 
tian  candor  and  plain  dealing,  and  was 
preferved  clear  in  her  underfhanding,  and 
in  her  love  to  truth.  During  her  illnefs, 
which  was  ihort,  fhe  was  favoured  with  an 
earned  of  that  divine  peace  and  reft  which 
is  prepared  for  the  righteous. 

She  departed  this  life,  in  this  city,  on  the 
ifl  of  the  fixth  month  1777,  and  was  interr'd 
in  friends  burial-ground  the  '^d  following, 
attended  by  many  friends  and  others ;  aged 
eighty-four  years. 


SEHEnsBna 


A  T eft  mony from  Wilmington  Monthly -Meeting 
in  the  county  of  New-Caftle  on  Delaware^ 
con£erning  Elizabeth  Shipley. 

U  R  beloved  friend  Elizabeth  Shipley, 
daughter  of  Samuel  Levis,  was  born 
in  the  Townihip  of  Springfield,  and  county 
of  Chefler  in  Pennfylvania,  on  the  26th  day 
of  the  tenth  month  1690.  She  was  led  in 
the  prime  of  youth  to  deny  herfelf,  take  up 
her  crofs,  and  follow  Chrift;  and  being 
found  walking  in  a  good  degree,  in  obedi- 
ence to  the  meafure  of  gni  :e  received,  abouC 
the  tweat)' -fourth  year  of  her  age  Ihe  ap- 
B  b  2  peared 


(  372  }' 
peared  in  the  miniftry;  and  being  faithful 
in  the  improvement  of  her  talent,  it  pleafed 
the  Lord  to  make  her  an  able  and  ikilfut 
minifter  of  the  gofpel.  She  travelled  in  the 
fervice  thereof  in  this  land,  both  fouthward 
and  northward  in  the  early  part  of  her  time, 
and  vifited  Barbados  in  company  with  |ane 
Fenn,  in  the  year  1725;  but  as  flie  kept 
few  minutes,  we  have  little  account  of  her 
labours  abroad. 

In  the  year  1728,  fhe  was  married  to 
"William  Shipley,  near  Springfield  aforefaid, 
■where  they  lived  until  the  year  1736,  about 
which  time  they  removed  with  their  family 
to  this  place;  and  we  believe  fhe  was  an  in- 
flrument  in  the  Lord's  hand,  to  fettle  a 
ineeting  here,  and  gather  many  to  it.  la 
1743,  ihe  embark'd  for  England  with  our 
friend  Eflher  White,  and  the  veflel  going 
by  way  of  North- Carolina,  while  there, 
they  vilited  fome  meetings  in  that  province ; 
after  which  they  failed  again,  and  arrived 
at  Liverpool  on  the  26 tb  of  the  feventh 
month,  and  in  gofpel  love,  vifited  general- 
ly the  meetings  of  friends  in  England,  Scot- 
land and  Ireland,  to  their  own  fitisfaclion ; 
and,  as  appears  by  accounts  from  friends 
there,  to  the  comfort  of  many.  She  alfb 
made  feveral  fliort  vifits  to  the  neighbouring 
provinces  ;  and  in  the  feventieth  year  of  her 
age,  in  company  with  our  friend  Hannah 
Foiler,  vifited  feveral  of  the  northern  pro- 
vinces.    She  was  feveral  times  exercifed  in 

that 


(    373     ) 
that  important  fervice  of  vifiting  families, 
in  which  her  company  and  labour  was  very 
acceptable. 

Her  deportment  in  meetings  was  grave 
and  folid,  her  gift  in  the  minidry  lively 
and  edifying,  in  prayer  awful  and  weighty, 
not  being  forward  in  appearing. 

Although  her  natural  flrength  was  much 
abated  in  the  latter  part  of  her  time,  yet  her 
faculties  remained  bright,  and  her  miniftry 
accompanied  with  life  and  power. 

In  the  time  of  her  laft  illnefs,  as  feveral 
friends  who  came  to  vifit  her  were  fitting 
by  her,  Ihe  appeared  filled  with  divine  pow- 
er, and  fpoke  in  a  lively  manner,  of  the 
drawings  of  the  father's  love  to  bring  her  to 
fettle  in  this  place,  and  faid,  that  his  pro- 
mifes  had  been  fulfilled  to  her ;  advifing  to 
faithfulnefs  in  doing  the  work  of  their  day ; 
that  for  her  own  part,  fhe  was  as  a  fhock 
of  corn  fully  ripe,  and  fliould  Ihortly  be 
gathered  to  the  haven  of  reft. 

In  a  little  time  after  this,  fhe  was  remov- 
ed to  WeiV Marlborough;  at  which  place 
(lie  iiniflied  her  courfe,  on  the  loth  day  of 
the  tenth  month  1777,  in  the  eighty-feventh 
year  of  her  age,  a  minifler  about  63  years. 
She  was  interr'd  in  friends  burying-ground 
on  the  iith  of  the  fame  month,  where  a 
folemn  meeting  was  held  on  the  occafion. 

A  Teftmony 


(     374    ) 

A  Tejiimonyfrom  Wilmington  Monthly-Meeting 
in  the  county  of  New-Caftle  on  Delaware,' 
concerning  Esther  White. 

OU  R  beloved  friend  Efther  White, 
daughter  of  Thomas  Canby,  of  the 
county  of  Bucks  in  Pennfylvania,  was  born 
in  the  fecond  month  1700.  In  her  young 
years  fhe  loved  to  attend  religious  meetings, 
an<i  to  fee  friends  behave  folid  therein,  being 
herfelf  an  example  of  piety.  She  married 
John  Stapler,  of  the  county  aforefaid  ;  and 
being  called  to  the  work  of  the  miniftry, 
fhe  became  a  faithful  labourer.  About  the 
thirty-fourth  year  of  her  age,  her  hufband 
was  removed  by  death;  after  which  flie 
married  John  White,  and  in  the  year  1739 
removed  with  their  family  to  this  place. 

In  the  fpring  of  the  year  1743,  flie,  in 
company  with  our  friend  Elizabeth  Shipley, 
failed  for  England  by  way  of  North- Caro- 
lina, and  while  there,  vifited  fome  meetings 
in  that  proviiice,  then  embarked,  and  ar- 
rived at  Liverpool  in  the  feventh  month  fol- 
lov,^ing,  and  in  gofpel  \o\t,  vihted  the  meet- 
ings of  friends  generally  through  England, 
Ireland  and  Scotland,  to  their  own  fatisfadti-' 
on,  and,  as  appears  by  accounts  received, 
to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  many  ;  and 
returned  home  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year 
1745,   to  the  joy  of  her  friends  and  family. 

In  the  year  1750,  Are  vifited  mod  of  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  Maryland,  Virginia 

and 


(  375  ) 
and  the  Carollnas  ;  and  in  1756,  in  com- 
pany with  Grace  Fifher,  thofe  in  New-Jer- 
fey,  and  New- York  Government:  And  in 
1760,  in  company  with  Hannah  Foiter  junr. 
thoTe  on  che  Eaftern- Shore  of  Maryland, 
and  the  counties  on  Delaware:  She  alfo  of- 
ten viiited  the  neighbouring  meetings  ;  and 
in  1776,  and  the  feventy-ieventh  year  of 
her  age,  after  a  long  time  of  ficknefs,  flie, 
in  great  bodily  weaknefs,  attended  the  quar- 
terly-meeting at  Fairfax  in  Virginia,  much 
to  her  own  peace  and  friends  fatisfaclion. 

She  was  an  ufeful  member  of  fociety,  and 
a  woman  of  uncommon  cheerfulnefs  of  fpi- 
rit,  although  largely  experienced  in  afflicli- 
ons  ;  through  which  flie  was  mercifully  fup- 
ported  by  divine  fufEciency;  and  being  in- 
fl:ni(5led  in  forrow,  had  a  fympathizing  heart 
with  the  afflidiions  of  others,  and  was  rea- 
dy to  communicate  to  their  relief  both  in 
fpirituals  and  temporals.  Her  depoiK:ment 
was  grave  and  folid,  her  miniilry  lively  and 
edifying,  even  to  old  age.  She  was  frequent 
in  exhorting  and  encourasjing  friends  to 
faithfulnefs  in  thefe  times  of  great  trial  and 
outward  commotion ;  that  they  might,  with 
the  wife  builder,  dig  deep,  and  experience 
their  foundation  to  be  laid  fure,  that  neither 
winds  nor  floods  might  move  them.  She 
was  careful  to  maintain  brotherly  love, 
fometimes  faying,  that  *  Love  was  her  life, 
'  that  file  could  not  live  without  it;'  and 
being  livingly  fenfible  of  the  precioufnefs 
thereof,  was  defirous  to  promote  it  in  others. 

After 


(    376    ) 

After  a  life  in  which  flie  had  to  endure 
feveral  long  and  trying  feafons  of  ficknefs, 
and  to  pafs  through  many  deep  baptifms  of 
forrow,  through  which  flie  was  iupported 
with  becoming  cheerfulnefs,  patience  and 
rehgnation ;  fhe  departed  tliis  life,  on  the 
^th  day  ot  the  twelfth  month  1777,  in  the 
feventy-eighth  year  of  her  age,  having  been 
a  minifter  upwards  of  50  years ;  and  on  the 
'^th  of  the  lame  month  and  i/I  of  the  week, 
was  interr'd  in  friends  burying -ground  in 
Wilmington;  being  much  beloved  by  her 
neighbours,  her  funeral  was  accompanied 
by  many  friends  and  others,  and  was  a  fo- 
lemn  opportunity. 

May  the  great  Lord  of  the  harvefl,  who 
is  removing  many  eminent  minillers  from 
his  churches,  be  pleafed  to  raife  up  others 
to  (land  faithful  witnelfes  for  his  name  and 
truth  in  the  earth. 


A  Te/iimony  fro?n  Deer-Creek  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Mai'yiand,  concerning  Joseph  Jones. 

E  was  born  in  the  city  of  Worcefler, 
in  Oid-England,  in  the  year  1686. 
His  parents  being  of  the  church  of  England, 
educated  him  in  that  way  during  his  abode 
with  them,  which  was  vuitil  he  was  about 
fourteen  years  of  age.     In  the  year  1700  he 

arrived 


(    377    ) 

arrived  at  Philadelphia,  and  going  into  New- 
Jerfey,  there  redded  until  twenty-one  years 
of  age. 

He  was  convinced  of  the  truth  about  the 
year  1708,  and  in  17 12  appeared  in  the 
miniftry,  being  then  in  the  twenty-fixth 
year  of  his  age  :  Having,  fince  his  convince- 
ment,  undergone  many  fore  confli6ls,  by 
reafon  of  a  backwardnefs  to  comply  with 
the  Lord's  requirings  whereunto  he  had  di- 
vers times  been  difobedicnt  through  diiE- 
dence  and  weaknefs,  but  at  length  he  gave 
up,  and  therein  found  peace. 

After  his  marriage,  he  refided  about 
twelve  years  at  Nottingham,  in  Cheller  coun- 
ty Pennfylvania,  and  then  removed  to  Deer- 
Creek  where  he  continued.  He  was  of  an 
innocent  life  and  harmlefs  converfation ; 
and  in  him  were  blended  thafe  truly  chrif- 
tian  virtues  which  render  religion  lovely 
and  defirable ;  even  the  irreligious  efteemed 
him  an  ornament  to  the  chriftian  profeifion. 
Being  very  converfanc  in  the  holy  Icriptures, 
and  favoured  with  a  retentive  memory,  he 
was  enabled  to  quote  them  with  propriety, 
and  very  often  fuitably  apply  them  to  in- 
llrudtion  and  edification. 

Divine  love,  as  witnelfed  bv  the  believers 
in  Chrift,  was  a  fubje(fl  upon  which  he  fre- 
quently exprcfled  himfelf,  in  engaging  and 
perfualive  terms ;  inviting  others  to  come 
and  be  made  partakers  of  lb  glorious  a  trea- 
furej  adding,  *  It  had  been  the  crown  and 


(    378    ) 

*  joy  of  his  life,  the  comfort  and  fupport  of 

*  his  old  age,  and  was  prefuaded  would  not 

*  forfake  him  in  death.' 

Of  earthly  treafure  he  poiTefTed  little,  but 
he  appeared  to  be  one  of  thofe  poor  of  this 
world,  whom  the  apoille  James  mentions,  as 
*'  Chofen  by  God,  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs 
*'  of  the  kingdom,  which  he  hath  promifed 
**  to  them  that  love  him."  In  this  happy 
fituation  he  was  fupported  with  chriflian 
fortitude,  through  times  of  adverfity  and 
deep  atllicftion. 

His  wife  dying  in  the  ninth  month  1777, 
to  whom  he  had  been  an  aifedlionate  com- 
panion upwards  of  fixty  years,  he  did  not 
long  furvive  her,  but,  about  four  months 
afterwards,  was  vifited  with  his  laft  illnefs, 
in  which  he  fuffered  much  pain,  but  was 
compofed;  fome  days  before  his  departure 
te  grew  eafy,  and  in  his  latter  moments, 
when  exhaufted  nature  fcarcely  left  him 
flrength  to  utter  himfeif  intelligibly,  he  la- 
mented the  ftate  of  the  carelefs  and  uncon- 
cerned, who  did  not  duly  and  timely  con- 
fider  their  latter  end. 

He  feemed  very  delirous  to  be  difTolved 
and  be  with  Ghrifl: ;  and  on  the  8//:?  of  the 
firft  month  1778,  as  a  fhock  of  corn  fully 
ripe,  he  was  removed  from  works  to  rewards, 
in  the  ninety-third  year  of  his  agej  leaving 
behind  him  the  favour  of  a  good  name,  be- 
ing generally  beloved  by  people  of  all  ranks 
and  denominations  who  knew  him.  On  the 
nth  of  the  fame  month,  he  was  interr'd  in 
friends  burying-ground  at  Deer-Creek. 


(     379    ) 

ATeJiimony  from  Uwchlan  Monthly- Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Griffith 
John. 

HE  was  born  (by  his  own  account)  in 
Pembrokelliire,  in  the  principality  of 
Wales,  in  the  year  16S3,  and  was  in  his 
youth  an  earneil  leeker  after  righteoufhefs 
among  divers  forms  of  religion,  until  he 
became  meaiiirably  convinced  of  the  prin- 
ciple of  truth  as  held  by  friends,  by  pe- 
rufing  William  Penn's  key  to  chriftian 
knowledge,  before  he  had  much  if  any  out- 
ward acquaintance  with  them  :  And  coming 
over  to  this  country  when  a  young  man,- he 
foon  after  joined  with  friends  in  religious 
fellowfhip ;  and  being  faithful  to  the  ma- 
nifeltations  of  divine  grace  in  his  heart,  he 
had  a  gift  in  the  miniftry  beftowed  upon 
him ;  and  tho'  not  large,  was  favoury  and 
edifying;  which,  together  with  his  exem- 
plary life  and  converlation,  manifeiled  him 
to  be  an  heavenly  minded  man,  much  re- 
deemed from  the  love  and  fpirit  of  this 
world. 

He  was  not  anxious  about  the  increafe  of 
outward  riches,  but  eafy  and  content  with. 
a  fmall  fliare  thereof;  fo  much  as  ferved  for 
bodily  fupport  in  great  limplicity  and  plain- 
nefs,  he  thankfully  received ;  having  a  tes- 
timony againfl  all  iuperiluity,  and  every 
tiling  tending  to  exalt  the  mind  of  man,  or 

promote 


(     3So     ) 

promote  worldly  greatnefs  in  any  degreei; 
feeking  above  all,  the  kingdom  of  Heaven 
and  the  rightcoufnefs  thereof. 

He  was  a  lover  of  peace  amongfl:  brethren 
and  in  his  neighbourhood;  and  by  precept 
and  example,  laboured  to  promote  it ;  being 
at  times  concerred  to  travel  about  on  foot, 
even  in  advanced  age,  to  his  friends  houfes, 
and  pay  ihort  vifits  in  true  chriftian  love, 
and  drop  weighty  and  edifying  hints,  tend- 
ing to  flir  up  the  pvire  mind ;  and  fcarcely 
any  thing  was  iaid  by  him  at  any  time  but 
what  had  a  tendency  that  way. 

He  was  a  remarkable  and  worthy  exam- 
ple, in  conilantly  and  early  attending  our 
religious  meetings,  until  upwards  of  ninety 
years  of  age ;  Vv^hen  through  weaknefs  and 
infirmity,  he  was  confined  at  home,  and 
underwent  great  bodily  afHidlion  with  true 
chriftian  fortitude  and  reli^nation  to  the  di- 
vine  will,  patiently  waiting  his  change; 
which  was  on  the  iqth  of  the  (ixth  month 
1778  ;  aged  about  ninety-five,  and  a  mini- 
ller  near  ^o  years. 


ATeJlhiiony from  the  Monthly -Meeting  of  Friends 
c/"  Philadelphia  yor  the  Southern- Diflri 61, 
concerning  John  Hallowell. 

E  was  exemplary  in  a  diligent  attend- 
ance of  our  religious  meetings  and  fo- 
lid  patient  waiting  therein,  and  ferviceable 

among 


(     38t     ) 

among  ns  according  to  ability^  in  the  fiip- 
port  of  the  difcipline  ;  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
fpirit,  careful  not  to  give  jalt  occafion  of 
offence  to  any.  He  was  appointed  an  elder 
in  the  year  1772,  in  which  ftation  he  con- 
dueled  to  good  fatisfaclion. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  eighth  month 
1777,  he  was  taken  unwell,  and  being  un- 
der great  bodily  pain,  often  begged  for  pa- 
tience, faying,  he  was  afraid  to  allc  for  any 
thing  elfe.  After  he  had  been  confined  a- 
bout  two  weeks,  his  pain  fbmewhat  abating, 
he  called  his  children  together,  and  fpoke  to 
them  as   follows :    '  It   looks   as  if  1  may 

*  lliortly  be  taken  from  you,  and  I  think  I 

*  have  nothing  to  charge  myf^lf  with,  in 
'  regard  to  bringing  yon  up;  I  have  with 
'  great  care  watched  over  your  morals,  and 

*  anxioufly    endeavoured    by   example,    to 

*  teach  you  to  walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ; 

*  but   a   backward    difpofition    prevailing, 

*  which  I  fear,  has  fometimes  kept  me  from 

*  doing  the  good  I  might  have  done  in  the 
'  world,  has  at  times,  when  my  heart  has 

*  been  earneRly  engaged  for  you,  caufed  me 
'  to  keep  fdence,  when  it  might  have  been 

*  profitable    to   have   thus    addreiled  you : 

*  Look  to  the  Lord  my  children,  and  aflv  of 

*  him  to  direcft  your  ways.  He  mull  be  the 
'  fupport  of  youth  as  well  as  of  old  age.  It  is 
'  him,  and  him  alone  you  mull  cleave  to, 

*  if  ever  you  expevfl  to  find  peace  that  will 

*  be  lading.     It  is  not  moral  re6litude,  go- 

*  ing  to  meeting,  or  any  outward  a(5ls  of 

*  devotion 


(    382    ) 

devotion  only,  that  will  do  for  you.  Reli-* 
gion  is  an  inward  work,  and  true  woriliip 
miift  be  performed  in  the  heart,  by  quiet- 
ly waiting  on  him  who  is  the  rock  of  ages* 
I  know  by  experience  what  I  fay,  there- 
fore earned] y  defire  you  to  look  to  the 
Lord,  live  near  him,  and  let  his  fear  di- 
rect you  in  all  you  undertake.  Keep  out 
of  the  noifes  and  confuiions  that  are  in 
the  world,  'tis  all  delufion.  To  be  bleft 
with  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  in  a  dunge- 
on, is  preferable  to  liberty  enjoyed  in 
palaces  without  it.  And  it  it  fliould  pleafe 
the  Lord  to  take  me  from  you,  tho'  we 
may  part  for  a  feafon,  yet  if  we  walk  in 
his  ways,  we  lliall  hereafter  meet  in  eter- 
nal blifs.' 

His  diforder  increafing,  his  pain  at  times 
was  very  great,  which  he  was  enabled  to 
bear  with  a  good  degree  of  chriflian  refig- 
nation ;  often  defiring  he  might  be  endued 
with  patience  to  hold  out  to  the  end.  And 
altho'  his  outward  tabernacle  gradually  de- 
cayed, yet  the  feafonable  and  lively  exprefli- 
ons  which  he  at  times  uttered,  evidenced 
that  his  inward  man  was  frequently  re- 
newed. 

*A  few  weeks  before  his  departure,  feveral 
friends  coming  to  vifit  him,  after  a  feafona- 
ble time  of  filence,  he  fpoke  as  follows. 
'  I  have  often  of  late  been  led  to  examine 

*  myfelf,  to  fee  what  it  is   that  keeps  me 

*  back,  fometimes   I  think  I  fee  death  ad- 
'  vancing  fwift,   and  at  other  times  quite 

'gone  J 


(     383     ) 

gone;  at  this  time  in  particular,  I  have 
been  led  to  coniider  whether  there  remains 
any  thing  for  me  to  do,  and  if  I  have  any 
thing  in  my  heart  againft  any  perfon,  that 
my  love  is  not  yet  perfect;  and  upon  a 
ftricft  examination,  I  find  nothing  but  love 
to  mankind  univerfally.  I  have  been  great- 
ly tried  with  pain  of  body,  and  poverty 
and  barrennefs  of  fpirit,  but  through  mer- 
cy have  been  preferved  from  murmuring; 
and  I  have  a  hope,  that  when  I  put  off 
this  body,  I  fhall  be  at  reft;  and  that  hope 
is  an  anchor  to  the  foul.' 
A  day  or  two  before  his  departure,  his 
pain  much  abated,  and  tho'  he  was  reduced 
very  low,  yet  was  preferved  in  much  calm- 
nefs  and  ferenity  of  mind,   faying,    '  He 

*  thought  his  dilTolution  was  near;  that  he 
'  had  done  with  every  thing  below,  and  ex- 
'  peded  the  change  to  him  would  be  a  hap- 

*  py  one,  believing  a  place  of  reft  was  pre- 

*  pared  for  him.' 

He  quietly  departed  this  life,  the  26th  of 
the  feventh  month  1778,  in  the  lixty- fourth 
year  of  his  age,  and  his  body  was  interred 
the  day  following  in  friends  burying-ground 
in  this  city. 


A  Tejlimony 


(     384    ) 

Jl  Tejlimony  from  Pipe- Creek  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Maryland,   concerning  William 

F  A   R    Q  U   11    A    R. 

HE  was  born  in  Ireland  the  2()th  of  the 
feventh  month  1705,  and  came  to 
America  about  the  fixteenth  year  of  his  age, 
and  fettled  in  Pennfylvania,  where  he  was 
convinced  of  the  truth,  and  married  among 
friends.  In  the  year  1735,  he  removed  and 
fettled  at  Pipe-Creek,  when  there  were  very 
few  inhabitants  in  thofe  parts.  Some  years 
afterwards  he  was  concerned  that  a  meeting 
might  be  fettled,  which  was  allowed  to  be 
held  at  his  houfe  at  times  for  feveral  years ; 
when  the  number  of  friends  increafing,  they 
concluded  to  build  a  meeting  houfe,  which 
our  faid  friend  zealoufly  promoted.  His  houfe 
was  much  reforted  to  by  travelling  friends 
and  others,  both  in  that  early  period  and 
iince,  to  whom  he  was  courteous  and  kind. 
Some  years  after  the  fettlement  of  a  month- 
ly-meeting at  Fairfax,  of  which  he  was  a 
member,  he  was  appointed  to  the  ftation  of 
an  elder,  which  he  filled  with  propriety  and 
reputation;  being  an  example  of  plainnefs, 
and  anxioufly  careful  for  the  education  of 
his  children.  He  v/as,  at  times,  concern'd 
in  meetings,  to  exhort  friends  to  keep  to  the 
teflimony  of  truth,  and  particularly  the 
youth,  for  whom  he  feemed  zeaioully  con- 
cerned, that  as  they  grew  in  years  they 
might  grow  in  grace. 

For 


(    385    ) 

For  fome  months  before  his  deccafe,  he 
was  in  a  weak  ftate  of  body,  yet  frequently 
attended  meetings,  and  the  laft  time  of  his 
being  there  was  about  four  days  before  he 
died;  the  night  following  being  in  much 
pain,  he  feveral  times  cried  out,  *  O  Father! 

*  mitigate  my  pain  if  it  be  thy  will ;'  and 
was  favoured  to  keep  in  the  patience  and 
relignation,  waiting  for  his  change.  The 
day  before  he  died,  his  wife  leaning  over 
him  mourning ;  he  faid  to  her,   *  Weep  not 

*  for  me,   but  for  thyfelf  and  others.  The 

*  Lord  is  near.' 

He  departed  this  life,  the  2  \Jl  of  the  ninth 
month  1778,  and  was  buried  in  the  family 
burying-ground  on  the  23*^  of  the  fame 
month ;  aged  near  feventy-three  years. 

P.  *S.  I  am  willing  to  communicate  a 
few  hints  of  what  has  often  pafTed  through 
my  mind  concerning  my  dear  hufband, 
whofe  memory,  to  me,  remains  precious. 
He  was  much  concerned  for  the  welfare  of 
the  young  and  riling  generation,  often  cau- 
tioning and  exhorting  friends  in  their  feve- 
ral llations,  ftridlly  to  examine  the  great 
duty  and  charge  committed  to  their  truft; 
and  in  a  particular  manner,  his  offspring, 
that  they  would  mutually  live  in  love  with 
each  other,  and  that  they  might  be  careful  to 
bring  up  their  children  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord. 

ANN  FAR^HAR. 

C  c  A  Tejiimony 


(     386     ) 

A  TePamony  from  the  Monthly- Meeting  o/"  Phila- 
delphia, concerning  Mary  Pember ton. 

SHE  was  the  daughter  of  Nathan  and 
Mary  Stanbury,  of  this  city,  who  were 
removed  by  death  in  her  tender  age,  after 
which  ihe  was  put  under  the  care  of  our 
friends  Richard  and  Hannah  Hill,  by  whom 
flie  was  religioufly  educated :  She  was  en- 
dued with  good  natural  underftanding,  and 
being  obedient  to  the  difcoveries  of  divine 
grace  in  her  own  mind,  flie  experienced  a 
growth  and  advancement  in  the  life  of  reli- 
gion, and  through  its  gradual  work,  be- 
came a  ufeful  and  acflive  member  in  the 
church,  being  many  years  in  the  ftation  of 
an  elder  and  overfeer.  Her  converfation 
was  lively  and  inflrudlive,  her  deportment 
folid  and  exemplary,  and  in  our  religious 
meetings,  it  was  often  apparent  flie  was  fa- 
voured with  the  preparation  of  a  broken 
heart  and  contrite  fpirit  for  the  folemn  per- 
formance of  divine  worfliip.  She  felt  the 
afflicflion  of  others  with  tender  fympathy, 
and  was  enabled  through  divine  help  to  bear 
her  own,  which  were  various  and  proving, 
with  great  refignation  and  chriflian  forti- 
tude. She  was  firfl:  joined  in  marriage  to 
Richard  Hill ;  and  fbmetime  after  his  de- 
ceafe,  to  our  worthy  friend  Robert  Jordan  ; 
and  lallly,  in  the  year  1747,  to  our  valued 
friend  Ifrael  Pemberton  lately  deceafed ;  and 

through 


(    387    ) 

through  the  feveral  viciflitudes  of  life,  fhe  was 
favoured  to  perfevere  with  great  (lability 
and  prudence. 

The  following  was  found  among  her  pa- 
pers after  her  deceafe,  by  the  date  wliereof 
it  is  fuppofed  to  have  been  wrote  on  an  oc- 
cafion  of  very  deep  and  uncommon  afflic- 
tion. 

*  Fourth  month  i6th  1761.     This  being 
a  day  of  great  falvation,  wherein  the  di- 
vine power  hath  manifeftly  appeared  in 
bringing  relief  and  fuccour  to  my  diltrefT- 
ed  foul,  and  working  deliverance  for  m^ 
which  no  human  means  could  have  cffe6l- 
ed ;  I  earneftly  dehre,  in  the  depth  of  hu- 
mility and  awfal  reverence,  that  it  may 
be  a  day  never  forgotten  by  me,  but  that 
thankfgivings  and  living-praifes  may  fill 
my  heart  to  the  Lord  Jehovah,  in  whom 
is  cverlafting  ftrength,  whofc  arm  alone 
hath   brought   falvation,    blefled   be  his 
name,   his   faithfulnefs  faileth  not  thofe 
whofe  trull  and  confidence  is  in  him/ 
The  removal  of  her  dear  hufband,  into  a 
flate  of  exile  in  the  ninth  month  1777,  was 
a  renev\red  afflicftion  to  her,  which  ihe  ap- 
prehended,   as  fhe   exprefTed   to  a   friend, 
might  tend  to  Ihorten  her  (lay  in  this  world. 
She  fell  into  a  gradual  decline  and  weak- 
nefs   of  body    during   his  abfence,  which, 
though  it  increafed  upon  her,  fhe  did  not 
keep  her  bed  but  about  four  or  five  weeks, 
in  which  time  (lie  often  exprelTed  herfelf  in 
a  lively  manner.     On  the  23 J  of  the  ninth 
C  c  2  month 


(    388    ) 

month  in  tlie  morning,  her  hufband  fitting 
with  her,  fhe  faid,  *  It  is  now  evident  to 
me,  my  dear,  we  mufl  foon  part,  we  have 
pafTed  through  many  deep  trials ;  there  is 
nothing  between  vis  but  true  love  and 
great  affed:ion,  I  hope  thou  wilt  be  kept 
in  true  refignation ;  I  had  fome  hope  of 
continuing  fometime  longer,  both  on  thy 
account  and  for  the  fake  of  our  dear 
grand- daughter,  but  I  am  not  folicitous 
about  it,  not  very  folicitous.' 
The  afternoon  of  the  fame  day,  being  in 
a  fweet  frame  of  mind,  flie  faid,  '  They 
'who  live  near  the  fpring  of  life,  are  fenfi- 

*  ble  their  change  will  be  for  the  better,  a 

*  happy  change  from  a  ftate  of  deep  afflic- 
'  tion ;'    and    fometime    after    faid,    '  The 

*  fpring  of  life  is  often  opened  for  the  re- 
'  frefliment  of  the  weary  travellers.' 

Tenth  month  I'jth.  Being  low  in  body 
and  mind,  one  of  her  daughters  prefent,  fhe 
faid,    '  Whenever  my    mind  is  turned  to 

*  think  of  getting  better,  I  am  engaged  to 

*  defire  to  be  kept  under  the  Lord's  notice, 

*  who  hath  been  good  to  me;    the  wonder- 

*  ful  counfellor,  the  everlafling  father,  the 

*  prince  of  peace ;    few  women,    have  had 

*  fuch  fcenes  to  pafs  through  as  I  have  had, 

*  but  I  have  been  favoured  beyond  what  I 

*  expected.'     About  an  hour  before  her  de- 
parture, fhe  faid,  *  Bleffed  father,  look  down 

*  upon  me  if  it  be  thy  holy   w411.'      And 
fhortly  after  faid,    '  Deareft  Lord,  take  me 

*  to  thyielf;     there  is  joy  in  Heaven,  there 

*  is 


{    389    ) 

•  is  joy  in  Heaven.'  After  which  {he  fell 
into  a  fweet  lleep,  and  peacefully  breathed 
her  laft,  on  the  2^th  of  the  tenth  month 
1778,  aged  feventy-four  years.  And  on  the 
I'jth  was  interr'd  in  friends  burying-ground 
in  this  city. 


A  Tejiimony  from  Mount-Holly  Monthly- Meet- 
ing in  New-Jerfey,  concerning  Rachel 
Li  p  PI  N  c  o  T, 

A  FEW  years  before  flie  died,  {he  re- 
moved from  Haddonfield  to  live  with- 
in the  limits  of  this  meeting.  She  was  an 
exemplary  fympathizing  friend;  her  tefti- 
mony  in  public  meetings  was  fliort,  yet  fa- 
voury  and  fealonable.  Sue  was  affli(5led  with 
a  cancer  in  her  breaft,  and  in  her  illnefs  ex- 
prelfed  herfelf  on  this  wife,    '  Oh!  if  it  be 

*  thy  will,  dear  father,  remove  me  before  I 

*  be  offenfive  to  my  friends,  and  grant  me 
^  patience  to  bear  all  that  thou  in  thy  wif^ 

*  dom  may  fee  meet  to  affli(5l  me  with.'  To 
a  friend  prcfent,   fhe  faid,    '  Oh !  that  love 

*  may  increafe  and  abound  in  this  day  of 

*  outward  trials,    and  faithfulnefs  be  kept 

*  to,  is  my  (incere  defire ;  my  trials  through 

*  life  have  been  many,  but  bleffed  be  the 

*  Lord's  holy  name,  when  he  has  appeared, 

*  all  darkneis  has  vaniihed.' 

She  departed  this  life,  the  29/^  of   the 
ninth   month    1779,    and   was   interr'd  in 

friends 


(     39°     ) 
friends  burying- ground  in  Mount-Holly  f 
aged  eighty  years. 


A  Tejl'imonyfrom  Wilmington  Monthfy^Meeting 
in  the  count v  of  New-Caftle  07i  Delaware, 
concenunQ-  David  Ferris. 


c> 


E  was  the  fon  of  Zachariah  and  Sarah 
Ferris,  and  was  born  in  Stratford,  in 
Connediicut  government,  New-England,  the 
loth  of  the  third  month  1707.  Flis  parents 
being  prefbyterians,  brought  him  up  in  that 
way,  his  mother  being  religioufly  diipofed, 
and  much  concerned  for  her  offspring,  fre- 
quently gave  them  good  advice  and  admo- 
nition, which  had  fome  good  efFecSl  with 
this  our  friend,  as  he  hath  often  been  heaixl 
to  exprefs. 

We  find  by  fome  remarks  lie  left,  that 
about  the  twelfth  year  of  his  age,  he  was 
frequently  viilted  and  called  unto  by  the 
divine  monitor  in  his  heart,  to  forfake  evil 
and  youthful  vanities  which  he  delighted  in, 
and  by  being  in  a  good  degree  faithful  there- 
to, w^as  for  a  time,  preferved  from  them ; 
but  for  want  of  attending  to  that  which 
would  have  continued  to  preferve  him,  the 
pleafures  and  vanities  of  this  world  got  hold 
of  his  mind,  fo  that  he  took  much  delight 
in  airy  and  vain  company,  mufick  and 
dancing,  and  fuch  like  amufements,  until 
about  the  twentieth  year  of  his  age;  when 

it 


(  39^  ) 
it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  viiit  him  witli  a  fore 
fit  of  ficknefs,  which  proved  of  lading  ad- 
vantage to  him,  as  it  occafioned  him  to  take 
up  a  frefh  refokition,  to  forfake  the  evil  of 
his  ways,  and  turn  to  the  Lord  with  full 
purpofe  of  heart,  which  he  was,  thro'  mer- 
cy, favou.rcd  with  ability  in  meafure  to 
perform. 

He  Hill  continued  in  profefTion  with  the 
prefbyterians,  not  having  any  knowledge  of 
friends ;  although  by  attending  to  the  teach- 
ings of  divine  grace,  he  became  convinced 
of  the  principle  we  profefs  ;  and  hearing  of 
a  yearly-meeting  of  friends  to  be  held  on 
Long-Illand,  went  to  it,  with  defires  to  dif- 
cover  whether  they  were  a  living  people  or 
not,  for  fuch  he  defired  to  find ;  where  he 
met  with  what  he  often  longed  for,  (a  peo- 
ple that  worfhipped  God  in  fpirit  and  in 
truth)  which  was  a  great  ftrength  and  con- 
firmation to  him,  in  forfaking  the  errors  of 
his  youth,  and  by  yielding  obedience  to 
thefe  inward  motions,  he  gained  ftrength, 
and  was  more  and  more  enabled  to  bear  a 
faithful  teflimony  to  the  truth  as  it  was 
made  known  to  him. 

In  the  fixth  month  1733,  he  removed  to 
Philadelphia,  where  he  joined  in  religious 
fellowihip  with  friends  ;  in  1735  he  married 
Mary  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah 
MafTey;  and  in  1737  removed  to  Wilming- 
ton in  New-Caftle  county,  where  he  refided 
the  remainder  of  his  days. 

He 


(     392    ) 

He  made  fome  appearance  in  the  miniftry 
about  the  year  1734,  but  through  unfaith- 
fulnefs  to  the  divine  call,  he  from  time  to 
time  put  it  off,  and  remained  in  a  negledl 
of  duty  therein  upwards  of  twenty  years; 
altho'  he  was  often  warned  both  immediate- 
ly and  inflrumentally  in  a  remarkable  man- 
ner, which  at  length  produced  a  fubmiffion 
to  the  divine  will,  fo  that  in  the  year  1755, 
he  was  made  willing  to  give  up  thereto,  and 
therein  found  great  peace. 

He  travelled  thro'  divers  parts  of  this 
continent  in  the  work  of  the  miniftry,  and 
by  certificates  produced  on  his  return  home, 
it  appeared,  that  his  conduct,  converfation, 
and  labours  abroad  were  exemplary  and 
edifying,  tending  to  the  advancement  of 
truth  and  righteoufnefs.  His  dod:rine  was 
found,  and  acceptable  to  the  honefl  hearted, 
tho'  lliarp  againft  the  hypocrite  and  rebel- 
lious, yet  tender  to  the  mourners  and  dif- 
confolate. 

He  was  very  ferviceable  in  our  meetings 
for  difcipline,  which,  with  other  meetings, 
he  diligently  attended,  not  fuftering  his  out- 
ward affairs  to  hinder  him  from  what  he  be- 
lieved to  be  his  religious  duty.  And  altho' 
he  followed  Ihop- keeping  for  a  living,  it 
was  his  pradlice  to  Ihut  up  his  fliop  and  take 
his  family  with  him  to  week  day  meetings, 
often  expreffmg  for  the  encouragement  of 
others,  that  he  believed  it  was  attended  with 
a  blefling.  He  was  free  and  open  hearted 
to  entertain  friends,  and  concerned  to  brmg 

up 


(     393     ) 

up  his  children  in  plainnefs,  and  inftruifl 
them  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  believing  that 
to  be  the  beft  portion  they  could  inherit; 
remarkably  charitable  to  the  poor,  and  of- 
ten adminiftred  to  their  neceilities. 

Bodily  weaknefs  attended  him  during  the 
lail  three  years  of  his  life,  and  near  the  dole 
of  his  days,  he  was  much  afflicted  with 
ficknefs,  which  he  bore  with  patience,  often 
expreffing  his  profped:  of  his  approaching 
end,  and  his  relignation  therein;  faying, 
'  All  is  well.'  Several  friends  being  prefent, 
after  a  time  of  fileiice,  he  in  a  lively  manner 
repeated  the  expreffions  of  the  apollle,  *'  To 
**  me,  to  live  is  Chrift:  and  to  die  is  gain.'* 

He  departed  this  life,  the  ^th  of  the 
twelfth  month  1779,  aged  upwards  of  fe- 
venty-two,  a  minifter  about  24  years;  on 
the  ^th  of  the  fame  month,  his  corps  was 
interr'd  in  ourburying-ground  inWiim.ing- 
ton. 


A  Tejlimony  from  Chefter  Monthly -Meeting  in 
Pennfylvania,  concerning  Nathan  Yar- 

NALL. 

HE  was  born  in  the  Townfhlp  of  Edge- 
mont,  in  Chefter  county  Pennfylvania, 
the  27/^  of  the  twelfth  month  1707-8,  and 
continued  a  member  of  this  monthly-meet- 
ing to  his  end.  In  the  days  of  his  youth 
he  had  a  ftrong  bias  to  the  diverlions  of  the 

times, 


(  394  y 

times,   which  when  given  way  to,  he  felt 
the  fecret  reproofs  of  divine  grace  accom- 
panied with  great  fervency  of  fpirit,  to  wit- 
nefs  forgivenefs  through  Chrift  Jefus,  by  the 
operation  of  whofe  fpirit,    he  obtained  fo 
great  a  vi(5lory,  that  he  was  (after  a  feafon 
of  probation)  entrufled  with  a  difpenfation 
of  the  gofpei  miniflry,  in  the  exercife  of 
which,  -his  do(5lrine  was  fliarp  againil:  a  ftate 
of  kikewarmnefs  about  religion  as  well  as 
open  profanenefs,  feafonably  inftrudlive  to 
the  fincere  feekers,  exhorting  them  not  to 
be  fatisfied  fhort  of  witneffmg  a  ftate  of  re- 
generation.   He  was  often  led  to  fympathize 
with  the  afflicted  in  fpirit,  unto  whom  his 
dodlrine  dropt  as  the  dew,  and  was  by  ma- 
ny efteemed  a  nurfing  father  in  the  meeting 
to  which  he  belonged.     He  feveral  times, 
with  the  concurrence  of  his  friends,  vilited 
the  churches  in  this  and  the  adjacent  go- 
vernments;   was   zealoufly  concerned  that 
meetings  for  difcipline  might  be  maintained 
in  the  fame  authority  wherein   they  were 
firfl  eflablifhed ;  and  divers  times  was  en- 
gaged in  vifiting  families,  for  which  weigh- 
ty fervice  he  was  well  qualified.     His  con- 
cern for  his  children  was  great,  which  at 
times  he  exprelled  under  the  power  of   di- 
vine love,  adopting  the  language  of  David, 
viz.  "  My  children,  know  ye  the  God  of 
**  your  fathers,  and  ferve  him  with  a  per- 
**  fed:  heart  and  willing  mind;    if  ye  feek 
"  him,  he  will  be  found  of  you,  but  if  ye 
*'  forfake  him,  lie  will  cafl  you  off  forever." 

Tor 


(  395  ) 
For  feveral  years  of  the  latter  part  of  his 
life,  he  was  afflided  with  weaknefs  of  body, 
but  not  fo  as  wholly  to  prevent  his  attending 
meetings,  in  which  he  was  at  times,  power- 
fully drawn  forth  in  teftimony,  and  public- 
ly exprelTed  at  Middletown  a  few  weeks  be- 
fore his  confinement,  an  apprehenfion  that 
his  work  was  nearly  over.  He  was  confined 
at  home  near  three  months,  in  which  time 
he  was  vifited  by  many  friends,  often  had 
refrefhing  opportunities  in  his  room;  in 
one  of  which,  (being  about  a  week  after 
his  confinement)  he  was  led  to  fpeak  of  the 
precious  effecfls  of  unity;  at  another  time, 
divers  friends  being  prefent,  after  fome  fi- 
lence,    he  exprelTed  himfelf  on   this  wife, 

*  How  many  opportunities   of  this  fort  I 

*  may  yet  have  is  unknown   to  me;  this 

*  morning  as  I  lay  in  bed,  meditating  on 
'  the  things  of  God,  it  appeared  to  me  as 

*  tho'  my  time  in  this  world  would  be  but 

*  fliort;'  carneftly  exhorting  thole  prefent, 
to  labour  that  they  and  their  childrei.  might 
be  prepared  to  meet  with  death.  At  feveral 
times  he  fignified,  '  He  was  like  one  that 
'  was  waiting  for  his  change,*  expreiling  his 
refignation,  and  faid,  *  Whenever  he  turn- 
'  ed  his  nand  inward  he  felt  great  peace, 

*  and  ti.'ii:  the  thoughts  of  the  grave  was 

*  no  terror  to  him/  He  gradually  weaken- 
ed wlihout  much  pain,  till  about  two  days 
before  his  departure,  and  continued  fenfible 
to  the  iaft,  which  was  on  the  loth  day  of 
the  firft  month  1780,  and  on  the  I'^th  his 

body 


(     396    ) 

body  was  interr'd  in  friends  burial-ground 
at  Middle  town,  attended  by  a  large  number 
of  friends  and  neighbours  ;  aged  near  feven- 
ty-two,  a  miniller  about  2,5  years. 


^  Teflimony  from  Nottingham  Monthly- Meeting 
in  Pennfylvania,  concerning  Rachel 
Brow  n. 

SH  E  was  the  wife  of  Thomas  Brown,  of 
Weft-Nottingham,  in  Cherter  county 
Pennfylvania,  and  daughter  of  Ralph  and 
Phebe  Needham,  of  Kent  county  on  Dela- 
ware, educated  amongfl:  friends,  iliewing  in 
her  younger  years  an  inclination  towards 
piety,  and  after  her  marriage  was  concerned 
at  times  to  fpeak  in  teflimony  in  our  religi- 
ous meetings,  and  tho'  not  large,  yet  fre- 
quently, eijpecially  in  the  latter  part  of  her 
time,  her  appearances  were  attended  with  a 
lively  favour,  which,  with  her  exemplary 
condu6t,  and  zeal  for  the  attendance  of  our 
meetings  for  public  worfhip  and  maintain- 
ing good  order  in  the  church,  rendered  her 
ferviccs  ufeful  and  acceptable  among  usj 
and  towards  the  conclufion  of  her  life,  flie 
appeared  to  be  favoured  with  an  increafe  of 
folidity  and  weight. 

In  her  lafl  illnefs  which  continued  about 
three  weeks,  we  believe  flie  was  much  blefT- 
ed  with  the  incomes  of  divine  love,  uttering 
many  weighty  exprefIion$,  fbme  of  which 

bein^ 


(     397    ) 
being  wrote  down,  are  in  Aibftance  as  fol-* 
lows ;    '  Oh !  that  I  had  but   power  to  ex- 
'  prels  the  love  1  feel  to  flow  towards   the 

*  church,  and  thofe  who  are  really  joined 

*  thereto.     Oh !  the  wonderful  love  of  the 

*  father  which  I  feel  to  flow  even  to  the  out- 

*  calls  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael.'     At  another 
time,  *  Oh !  the  itraitnefs  and  refinednefs  of 

*  the  path  that  leads  to  life  and  happinels,' 
repeating  her  fenfe  of  the  wonderful  love  of 
our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  to  his  church,  which 
feemed  then  remarkably  opened  to  her,  in 
an  explanation  of  thole  expreffions   in   the 
eighth  verfe  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Solo- 
mon's Song,    "  Come  with  me  from  Leba- 
**  non,   my  fpoufe,  with  me  from  Lebanon; 
"  look  from  the,  top  of  Amana,  from  the 
*'  top   of   Shenir  and  Hermon,  from  the 
*'  Lions  Jens,    from  the  mountains  of  the 
"  Leopards  ;'*   the  myftery  of  which  invita- 
tion,  we  underlland  Ihe  fpoke  of  at  divers 
times  in  her  ficknefs  in  a  lively  manner,  as 
it  appeared  to  her  applicable  to  the  divine  call 
of  our  Saviour  to  his  followers,  to  come  out 
of  all  high  things,  and  for  his  fake  who  was 
plain,  meek  and  lowly,  to  leave  or  forfake 
the  loftinefs   and  grandeur  of  this  world, 
things  defirable  to  the  proud  ileflily  part  in 
"US,  to  ceafe  alfo  from   fpotted  things,  and 
thofe  of  a  fierce  devovning  nature:  And,  as 
her   lad  teftimony   againil   the   fuperliuity 
crept  in  among  friends  in  relation  to  coflins 
and   drefling  the  bodies   of  the   dead,  fhe 

earneltiy 


(     398     ) 

carneftly  defired  that  Iier  coffin  might  be 
quite  plain,  and  that  no  needlefs  things 
might  be  put  on  or  about  her. 

She  dehred  her  love  to  her  friends,  faying, 
I  have  frequently  defired  your  prayers  for 
me,  that  I  might  have  an  eafy  pafTage, 
and  now  I  am  refigned,  and  delire  to  have 
no  will  of  my  own,  but  to  wait  with  pa- 
tience the  Lord's  time,  and  alfo  for  his 
falvation.'  Remaining  fenfible  after  her 
fpeech  failed,  flie  quietly  departed  this  life, 
the  nth  of  the  fifth  month  1780,  in  the 
fifty-third  year  of  her  age,  and  was  interr'd 
in  friends  burying-ground  at  Eaft-Notting- 
ham  on  the  I'lth  of  the  fame  month. 


A  Teflimony  frcnn  Haddonfield  Monthly-Meet- 
hg  in  New-Jerfey,    concerning  Ephraim 

ToMLINSON. 

OU  R  fliid  friend  was  born  the  i^th  day 
of  the  eighth  month  1695,  and  his 
parents  fettling  fomewhat  remote  from  the 
then  fettlement  of  wliite  inhabitants,  it  ap- 
pears by  a  manufcript  account  he  has  left, 
that  he  ufed  to  walk  on  foot  about  ten  miles 
to  meeting,  and  being  faithful  to  the  mani- 
feflations  of  truth  in  his  young  years,  was 
enabled  to  encourage  his  brothers  to  go  with 
him  to  wait  upon  the  Lord. 

He  makes  mention  of  divers  befetments 
and  exercifcs  he  met  with  in  his  fpiritual 

journey, 


(     399    ) 

journey,  but  by  waiting  in  flillnefs  upon 
the  Lord,  he  was  pleafed  to  appear  for  his 
help ;  and  he  was  often  drawn  to  retire  in 
the  woods  and  foUtary  places,  when  his 
mind  was  at  times  enlarged  in  prayer  for 
himfelf  and  mankind  univerfliUy. 

He  was  a  diligent  attender  of  religious 
meetings  whilll  of  ability  of  body,  feldom 
fuffering  the  extremity  of  weather  or  his 
temporal  concerns  to  prevent  him  from  the 
dilcharge  of  his  duty  in  this  refpedl,  altho' 
he  lived  at  a  confiderable  diftance  from  the 
particular  meeting  to  which  *he  belonged, 
and  was  an  exemplary  humble  waiter  there- 
in, for  the  ariiing  of  that  life  which  is  the 
crown  of  our  aflemblies. 

He  was  an  appointed  elder  for  the  meet- 
ing at  Haddonfield,  and  condudled  upright- 
ly in  his  ftation,  which  rendered  him  ac- 
ceptable to  his  friends,  being  often  employed 
in  the  affairs  of  truth ;  and  was  feveral  times 
engaged  in  that  weighty  fervice  of  vifiting 
families,    in  the  performance  whereof,  he 
was  fometimes  fervently  and  awfully  drawn 
forth  in  fupplication  to  the  father  of  mercies. 
He  was  jult  in  his  dealings  among  men, 
remarkably  cautious  in  expreilion,  which, 
joined  with  a  meek  and  pious  life,  rendered 
him  a  pattern  among  his  fellow-believers 
worthy  of  imitation  5  and  his  light  fo  Ihined 
forth   before  men,    that  others  feeing  his 
good  works,  were  made  to  acknowledge  he 
had  attained  the  marks   of  a  true  difcipie 
and  believer  in  Chrift. 

He 


(    400    ) 

He  departed  this  life,  on  the  2d  of  the 
eighth  month  1780,  having  left  a  good  fa- 
vour, and  we  doubt  not  is  made  an  inherit- 
or of  that  incorruptible  crown  of  righteouf- 
nefs,  which  is  laid  up  for  all  thofe  who  keep 
the  faith,  and  love  the  appearance  of  our 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift. 

He  was  buried  in  friends  burial-ground 
at  Haddonfield,  attended  by  a  confiderable 
number  of  friends  and  others,  on  the  ^th 
day  of  the  fame  month;  being  in  the  eighty- 
fifth  year  of  his  age. 


ATeflimony  from  Uwchlan  Monthly-Meeting  in 
Pennfy Ivania,  row^^rwzV/^  Sus A  N  N A  Li g  h  t- 

FOOT. 

BY  accounts  we  have  had,  fhe  was  born 
at  Grange,  in  the  county  of  Antrim, 
in  the  North  of  Ireland,  the  \cth  of  the  firft 
month  (old  ftilej  1719-20,  defcended  of  re- 
ligious parents  profefTmg  the  truth  (John 
and  Margaret  Hudfon.)  Her  father  dying 
in  low  circumRances  when  flie  was  young, 
file  was  placed  out  by  her  mother  to  earn 
her  living  by  her  own  labour ;  who  never- 
thelefs  fought  a  portion  in  the  truth  for  her 
daughter,  efteeming  it  the  bed  riches  ;  and 
lived  to  fee  the  defire  of  her  heart  in  that 
refpe(5l  in  a  degree  accomplifhed;  for  the 
tendering  vilitations  of  divine  love  being 
mercifully  extended  to  this  our  dear  friend 

early 


(  401  ) 
early  m  life,  flie  happily  clofed  in  therewith, 
and  witnelled  an  advancement  in  piety  and 
godlinefs  j  liich  was  her  love  to  the  truth 
and  zeal  for  the  attendance  of  meetings 
when  young,  (lie  would  go  many  miles  on 
foot  to  them,  and  being  an  honed  fervant, 
laboured  hard  to  make  up  the  time  to  her 
employer.  In  thefe  times,  her  cup  was  of- 
ten made  to  overflow  with  the  goodnefs  of 
the  Lord  to  her  ibul,  which  Ihe  has  fre- 
quently been  heard  to  fpeak  of  with  tender- 
Defs  of  fpirit,  for  the  encouragement  of  ler- 
vants  and  others  in  low  circumJlances  ;  and 
that  die  rich  and  full  who  have  hories  to 
ride  on,  and  are  bletTed  both  with  the  ne- 
celTarics  and  conveniencies  of  life,  might 
prize  their  time  and  privileges,  and  bring 
forth  fruits  adequate  to  the  favours  confer- 
red on  them. 

A  difpenfation  of  the  gofpel  was  commit- 
ted to  her  to  preach,  to  which  ilie  gave  up 
in  the  feventeenth  year  of  her  age ;  and  we 
have  reafon  to  think,  fhe  grew  therein  as  a 
willow  by  the  water  courfe;  for  in  the  ex- 
ercife  thereof,  with  the  unity  of  her  friends 
at  home,  flie  came  over  to  this  country  with 
Ruth  Courtny,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year 
1737,  and  paid  a  religious  viiit  to  friends 
generally  on  this  continear,  v/e  believe  to 
good  fatisfattion  ;  fome  of  us  having  caufe 
to  remember  her,  and  the  fweetnefs  of  her 
fpirit  at  that  time.  With  the  fame  friend 
ilie  alfo  travelied  in  England  and  Wales,  in 
D  d  ^74'^> 


(    402    ) 
174*^,  fpending  upwards  of  fifteen  montlis 
there  in  the  iervice  of  truth. 

On  the  2^th  of  the  ninth  month  1742, 
fhe  was  married  to  Jelfe  Katton ;  in  which 
ftate,  fhe  for  many  years,  underwent  great 
outward  difficulties,  as  well  as  inward  exer- 
cifes  and  trials  on  account  of  the  caufe  and 
teflimony  of  truth  which  (lie  had  efpoufed, 
and  was  favoured  with  hrmnels  to  hold  her 
integrity  thereto ;  which  flie  has  been  heard 
to  commemorate  with  thankfulnefs  to  the 
Lord  her  deliverer,  rendering  the  praife  to 
him  alone,  who,  even  during  that  trying 
difpenfation,  opened  her  v/ay  to  labour  con- 
fiderably  in  his  caufe  in  many  places,  as  in 
Ireland,  Scotland,  and  again  in  England. 

About  the  year  1754,  Ihe  removed  with 
her  hufband  and  family,  and  fettled  in  Wa- 
terford,  where  flie  was  made  truly  near  to 
friends  and  ufeful  in  the  Lord's  hand. 

In  the  year  1759  her  hufband  died;  and 
in  1760,  being  conftrained  by  the  love  of 
truth,  and  having  the  concurrence  of  her 
friends  at  home  and  of  the  meeting  of  mi- 
nifters  and  elders  in  London,  llie  entered  on 
a  fecond  vilit  to  America,  which  for  many 
years  had  reRed  weightily  on  her  mind.  In 
the  ninth  month  of  the  fame  year  flie  ar- 
rived here,  and  vifited  friends  meetings  ge- 
generally  throughout  this  continent,  as  far 
Southward  as  Charleflon,  in  ^ourh-Caro- 
lina,  and  to  the  eaftern  parts  of  New- En- 
gland, to  the  comfort  and  fatisfadion  of 
friends,    leaving  leals  of  her   miniftry    in 

many 


(    4C'3    ) 

Enany  places  ;  and  after  a  labour  of  upwards 
of  two  years,  embarked  for  England.  In 
the  fummer  following  fhe  vifited  Munfter 
province  in  Ireland.  And  on  the  25^/j  of 
the  ninth  month  1763,  llie  M^as  married  to 
our  friend  Thomas  Lightfoot ;  and  continu- 
ing fervent  in  ipirit  for  the  diicharge  of  her 
religious  duties,  finilhed  her  vifit  to  that 
nation  by  midfummer  following. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  eighth  month 
J  764,  ilie  embarked  at  Cork  with  her  hui^ 
band  and  family  in  order  to  fettle  here,  and 
arrived  in  the  ninth  month  following,  from 
■which  time  flie  belonged  to  our  monthly- 
meeting,  whereof  llie  was  a  ferviceable  mem- 
ber; likewife  was  engaged  in  the  love  of  the 
gofpel,  to  vilit  many  of  the  meetings  of 
friends  in  this  and  the  adjacent  governments, 
aUo  the  neighbouring  yearly-meetings,  and 
in  the  year  1774,  went  into  New-England, 
■with  our  friend  Elizabeth  Robinfon  from 
Great-Brit?.in  ;  in  which  viiits  her  company 
and  fervices  were  weighty,  ifrengthening 
and  eflabliihing  to  friends. 

At  divers  meetings  previous  to  the  break- 
ing forth  of  the  prefent  calamity,  ihe  had, 
in  an  awful  manner,  to  proclaim  the  ap- 
proach of  a  ftormy  day,  which  would  fliake 
the  fandy  foundations  of  men;  and  many 
of  the  formal  proteifors  in  our  fbciety  Ihould 
be  blown  away. 

The  laft  journey  (lie  took,  was  to  the  year- 

ly-meetmg  at  Third-Haven,  in  iVJaryhiiui, 

held  in  the  fixth  month  1779,  wherein  oc\rp 

D  d  2  wading 


r  404  ) 

wading  and  wafting  exercife,  with  feeble- 
nefs  of  body  was  her  lot.  Soon  after  her 
return  home,  a  fit  of  illnefs  contributed 
much  to  the  breaking  of  her  conftitution  ; 
but  the  bahn  of  fweet  peace  of  mind  was 
ftill  her  comfort  and  fupport.  She  recover- 
ed fo  as  to  get  abroad  again  to  her  own  and 
many  other  meetings  about  the  country, 
and  to  our  laft  yearly-meeting  in  Philadel- 
phia, tho'  in  a  weak  (late  of  health ;  the  laft 
ihe  attended  was  our  felecft  meeting  at 
Uwchlan,  the  Z'jth  of  the  firft  month  1781, 
under  an  increafing  weaknefs  of  body,  but 
to  the  comfort  of  friends  then  aftembled. 

She  was  an  excellent  example  of  Iteady 
waiting  upon  the  Lord  in  filence,  and  out 
of  meetings  folid  and  grave  in  her  deport- 
ment, in(lru(5live  and  weighty  in  converfa- 
tion,  watchful  over  her  own  family  for  their 
good,  bearing  her  teftimony  againft  wrong 
things  in  them  as  well  as  others;  of  a  dif- 
cerning  fpirit ;  and  when  her  lot  was  caft  in 
families  as  well  as  meetings,  was  often  led 
to  feel  for  and  fympathize  with  the  hidden 
fufiering  feed.  Having  palled  through  the 
deep  waters  of  afBidlion  herfelf,  her  eye 
was  not  unufed  to  drop  a  tear  for,  and  with 
others  in  dinrefs  either  in  body  or  mind, 
and  Ihe  rejoiced  in  comforting  and  doing 
them  good. 

She  was  a  living  and  powerful  miniftcr 
of  the  word,  careful  not  to  break  filence  in 
meetings,  until  tavoured  with  a  freih  anoint- 
ing  from  the  holy  one,  whereby  ihe  was 

prelerved 


(    4^5    ) 
preferved  clear  in  her  openings,  awful  and 
v;eighty  in  prayer,  her  voice  being  ibleinn 
and  awakening  under  the  baptizing  power 
of  truth. 

Many  were  the  heavenly  feafons  with 
v/hich  llie  was  favoured  during  a  lingering 
illnefs,  in  fome  of  which  ihe  was  led  to  ex- 
prefs  herfelf  in  a  lively  edifying  manner, 
and  often,  with  divine  pertinence  to  the 
ftates  of  thofe  who  were  prcfent;  as  alfo 
her  belief  that  llie  fhould  join  the  fpirits  of 
the  jull  made  perfecft,  in  that  city  whofe 
walls  are  falvation,  and  her  gates  praife. 

One  evening,  after  a  folemn  lilence,  Hie 
broke  forth  in  a  fweet  melody,  faying,  '  I 
have  had  a  profpedl  this  evening,  of  join- 
ing the  heavenly  hoft,  in  finging  praifes 
to  Zions  king,  for  which  favour  my  foal 
and  all  that  is  fcniible  within  me,  magni- 
fies that  arm  which  hath  been  with  me 
from  my  infant  days,  and  caft  up  a  way 
where  there  w^as  no  way,  both  by  fea  and 
land.'  She  then  fignified  what  an  exercife 
file  had  laboured  under  for  the  good  of  fouls, 
and  how  it  wounded  her  very  life,  to  behold 
the  profefTors  of  chriftianity  adling  incon- 
liftent  with  the  example  of  a  crucified  Sa- 
viour. 

She  frequently  fupplicated  the  Lord  for 
the  continuance  of  his  help,  and  that  fhe 
might  be  endued  with  patience,  adding, 
'  Oh!  what  would  become  of  me  now,  if 
*  I  had  a  wounded  conlcience  ?  The  work 
'  with  me  is  not  now  to  do:  Tiiis  winnow- 


(     4o6     ) 

*  ing  day  muft  come  clofer  to  the  dwellings 
'  of  fome  than  ever  it  has  done,  even  to  the 

*  Ihaking  of  them  from  the  gods  of  lilver 
'  and  of  gold,  hay  or  ftubble.' 

The  quarterly-meeting  being  nigh,  flie 
urged   her   hufband   to   leave   her,    faying, 

*  There  is  nothing  yields  fuch  comfort  on 
'  a  languifliing  bed  as  an  evidence  of  hav- 
'  ing  performed  our  religious  duties  to  the 
'  bell  of  our  underftanding,  I  can  fpeak  it 

*  at  this  time  by  experience.'  She  fpoke  of 
the  necelTity  there  was  for  friends  to  guard 
againft  keeping  in  their  families  perfons 
of  corrupt  morals  and  evil  communication, 
"which  hath  a  tendency  to  poifon  the  tender 
minds  of  their  children ;  and  fignified  her 
appreheniion,  that  fome  parents  were  ftain- 
ed  with  the  blood  of  their  offspring  there- 
by. At  another  time,  (he  encouraged  fome 
that  were  prefent,  to  be  faithful  to  the  Lord, 
and  to  keep  to  their  gifts,  adding,    '  Oh! 

*  what  a  fine  thing  it  is  to  fit  lively  in  meet- 

*  icgs,  and  to  witaefs  the  holy  oil  to  run  as 
'  from  vedel  to  veflel.'  Feeling  herfelf  grow 
worfe,  ihe  gave  directions  about  the  laying- 
out  her  body,  that  it  ihould  be  with  exem- 
plary plainnefs. 

One  morning,  in  the  hearing  of  a  fev/ 
friends,  ihe  cautioned  againft  a  light  chaffy 
fpirit  getting  up  in  a  ihew  of  religion,  and 
was  led  in  a  remarkable  manner,  to  utter 
reproofs  againft  the  ungodly  Quaker,  figni- 
fying  a  terrible  day  Vt/ould  fooner  or  later 
overtake  fuch, 

She 


(     407    ) 
She  exprefTed  herfelf  one  day  nearly  as 
follows,    '  When  1  have  fat  down  in  our 
meetings,  and  caft  my  eye  over  the  peo- 
ple, how  have  I  been  grieved   to  fee  the 
haughtinefs  of  the  young  men,  and  the 
folly  of  the  young  women,  looking  one 
upon  another,  as  if  there  was  nothing  to 
do  ;  coming  to  meetings  juft  to  fee  and  be 
feen :  Oh  !  will  not  the  Lord  viht  for  thefe 
things?  Yea,    furely  he  will,  and  call  to 
an  account  thofe  haughty  fons  and  for- 
getful daughters ;    I   have   been   grieved 
with  it  when  I  have  fat  as  with  my  lips 
fealed ;  and  yet  there  is  a  remnant  that  are 
near  to  my  life  among  the  youth. 
At  another  time,  being  raifed  by  divine 
aid  from  great  weaknefs,  Ihe  thus  exprefled 
herfelf,    *'  The  Lord  will  fearch  Jerufalem, 
he  will  blow  away    the    chaff;     but   the 
wheat.  Oh !  the  weighty  wheat  he  will 
gather  into  his  holy  garner.     It  feems  to 
me,  that  many  of  the  better  fort  are  haft- 
ening  to  their  graves.     I  do  not  repine  at 
my  afflictions,    for  how  fmall  are   they, 
compared  with  his  who  fuffered  for  us  ail, 
when  he  faid,   *'  My  God,  my  God,  why 
haft  thou  forfaken  me  ?"  Oh  the  profeifors 
of  truth!    How  often  have  I  thought  of 
their  great  privileges !    How  often  have 
they  been  called  unto  and  watered !    And 
yet  remain  unredeemed ;    there  is  much 
impurity  about  the  fldrts  of  fome;  if  they 
refufe  they  wall   be  rejected   and  others 
called  in  5  he  will  have  his  table  filled,  he 

*  will 


(    4o8    ) 

will  have  a  people  that  will  ftand  for  his 
name.'  After  fometime,  afldng  for  a 
friend,  (he  fa  id,  *  1  have  fometliing  to  fay 
to  thee  about  the  city;  the  folly,  1  vs^ould 
not  willingly  call  it  iniquity,  but  upon  a 
ftridl  examination  I  believe  it  may  be  {o 
called,  of  laying  out  their  dead,  has  been 
a  burden  to  me  many  times  of  late  when 
1  have  been  there,  I  have  wondered  at  the 
pomp  and  vanity,  and  the  coft,  how  mnch 
for  no  good  [)nrpofe  at  all,  but  to  be  buri- 
ed witii  the  mouldering  body.  How  much 
better  it  would  be,  to  fpare  this  expence 
for  the  benefit  of  ibme  poor  families  ?  I 
did  not  know  but  I  fliould  have  mention- 
ed it  at  the  yearly- meeting,  but  I  ^ot  en- 
feebled, and  I  prayed  it  might  reft  on 
fome  others,  that  it  might  be  done  then 
or  at  fome  other  time.' 
In  the  afternoon  of  the  fame  day,  fhe 
mentioned  fome  of  the  words  of  Amos, 
*'  I  was  no  prophet,  nor  a  prophet's  fon, 
*'  but  {  was  a  gatherer  of  fycamore  fruit;" 
^  low  employments,  faid  flie,  ''  But  the  Lord 
raifeth  the  poor  out  of  the  dull,  and  lifteth 
up  the  beggar  from  the  dunghill  to  fee 
*'  them  among  princes.     I   have  been  one 

*  of  ibrrows,    and   much   acquainted  vv'ith 

*  grief.     It  is  true,  this  has  been  a  pleafanc 

*  fpot   to   live  in,    and  witli   an   agreeable 

*  companion,  and  it  was  nothing  ihort  of 
'  the  good  hand  that  thus  provided  for  me, 
'  but  1  have  never  forgot  the  wormwood 

*  and  the  galL' 

She 


cc 


{     409    ) 
She  continued  quiet  and  fenfible  the  re- 
mainder of  her  time,  faying,  *  Oh  dearefl: 

*  Lord !  take  me  to  thyfelf,  even  into  thy 

*  heavenly  kingdom  ;  take  me  into  Paradife, 

*  lor  I  long  to  be  with  thee  there.'  After 
expredlng  the  delire  of  her  foul  refpedling 
one  of  her  fons,  flie  took  leave  of  her  huf- 
band  and  others  preient  with  a  look  of  en- 
dearing love,  and  expired  about  the  fourth 
hour  in  the  morning,  like  one  falling  into 
an  eafy  dumber^  on  the  ^th  of  the  fifth 
month  1 78 1,  and  was  interred  the  nth  ai: 
Uwchlan,  attended  by  a  very  great  con- 
courfe  of  people  ;  on  which  occafion  a  meet- 
ing was  held,  and  was  indeed  a  good  meet- 
ing, agreeable  to  a  profpecl  llie  had  in  the 
early  part  of  her  illnelsj  aged  fixty-one, 
and  a  minifler  44  years. 


A  7\^imo?iy  /ro7n'EvQ{h^m  Monthly- Meeting  in 
Nevv-Jerfey,  concerning  Thomas  Evans. 

E  was  born  the  12th  day  of  the  fecond 
month  1693,  and  defcended  from  pa- 
rents profeflmg  the  truth,  whofe  religious, 
care  over  him,  co-operating  with  the  prin- 
ciple of  divine  grace  implanted  in  his  mind, 
was  the  happy  means  of  fixing  his  attention, 
not  on  a  corruptible  inlieritance,  but  on  that 
which  is  incorruptible,  eternal  in  tlie  hea- 
vens, and  fadeth  not  av\ray.  And  as  he  was 
in  a  good  degree  faithful  to  the  manifellati- 

Oil 


(  410  ) 
on  of  light  afForded  him,  about  the  twenty- 
fifth  year  of  his  age,  he  entered  on  the  work 
of  the  niiniilry,  in  which  he  diligently  la- 
boured, viiiting,  with  the  concurrence  of 
his  friends,  divers  parts  of  this  continent. 
He  was  often  led  ienfibly  to  declare  of  the 
love  and  goodnel's  of  the  Lord  to  thofe  who 
diligently  wait  upon  and  feek  him  ;  and  is 
worthy  of  remembrance  for  his  Heady  ex- 
ample in  the  attendance  of  meetings. 

In  his  advanced  years,  he  had  divers  pain- 
ful times  of  i'lnels,  but  was  admirably  pre- 
ierved  through  them  without  the  help  of 
medicine.  He  was  temperate  in  his  living  ; 
and  that  innocency  of  life,  meeknefs  and 
love  which  attended  him  in  his  early  years, 
fiiined  clear  in  his  latter  days,  being  often 
favoured  (when  his  underftanding  in  world- 
ly matters  appeared  to  fail  him)  in  a  lively 
manner  to  Ipeak  to  the  ftates  of  the  people 
when  religiouily  aOembled,  which  made 
him  near  to  many  friends.  He  was  a  peace- 
maker amongil  his  neighbours  and  friends, 
and  earneilly  engaged  for  the  univerfal  ad- 
vancement of  true  peace  amongfl  mankind; 
bearing  a  faithful  teilimony  againfl  war, 
.  and  againll  the  unnecefliiry  diilillation  and 
ule  of  fpirituoos  liquors,  and  the  prevail-^ 
ins:  and  foolilh  cuftoms  and  falhions  of  the 
world. 

In  his  laft  illnefs,  he  was  prefcrved  iri 
great  patience  andrefignation  through  much 
bodily  pain,  iignitying  his  '  Satisfaction  in 
^  having  difcharged  his  religious  duty ;  an(^ 

*  that 


(    4"     ) 

*  that  all  looked  pkafant  before  him,  and 
'  nothing  remained  for  him  to  do,  nnlefs 
'  the  Lord  fliould  again  pleafe  to  raife  him, 

*  which  was  hid  from  his  fight,  but  that 

*  he  was  quite  reiigned  to  his  will  in  ail 

*  things.' 

In  thefe  trying  hours,  wherein  he  was 
enabled  to  drop  many  comfortable  and  edi- 
fying fentences  to  tliofe  who  vilited  him,  he 
appeared  to  be  favoured  with  a  foretafte  of 
that  true  peace  which  is  laid  up  in  ftore  for 
all  them  who  hold  out  to  the  end  in  well- 
doing. 

He  departed  this  life,  the  2  i/i  of  the  firil 
month  1783,  and  was  interr'd  at  Evefliam 
on  the  24//J,  aged  near  ninety,  and  a  mini- 
fler  about  65  years. 


A  T eft imony  from  the  Monthly- Meeting  ofVlu- 
ladelphia,  conccni'ing  Anthony  Bene- 
ZET,  an  eLiery  deceafed. 

N  this  occafion,  we  may  pertinently 
adopt  the  lamenting  addrels  of  the 
diiciples  at  Joppa,  to  the  apoftle  Peter,  on 
the  death  of  Dorcas  their  fifcer,  who  had 
been  "  Full  of  good  works,  and  alms  deeds 
*'  which  ihe  had  done.  And  all  the  widows 
•'  flood  by  him  weeping,  and  Ihewing  the 
*'  coats  and  garments  which  Dorcas  had 
"  made  while  ihe  was  with  them."    Ads  ix% 

37-  39- 

Ho 


(    412    ) 

He  was  born  in  France,  at  a  town  named 
St.  Quintin,  in  the  province  of  Picardy,  on 
the  31//  of  that  now  called  the  firft  month, 
17 1 3.  At  which  time  romifli  bigotry  and 
fu perdition  liibjecled  the  proteilants  in 
that  kingdom  to  very  rigorous  perfecutions, 
ivhich  occafioned  many  thoufimds  of  them 
to  leave  it>  among  whom  were  the  parents 
of  our  deceafed  friend,  who  removed  from 
thence  on  the  3J  of  the  fecond  month  called 
February,  17 15,  and  after  fpending  a  few 
mionths  in  Holland,  proceeded  to  London, 
where  they  relided  about  fixteen  years,  and 
in  the  month  called  November,  1731,  they 
arrived  in  this  city,  being  well  recommend- 
ed by  divers  friends. 

In  the  fifth  month,  1736,  he  was  married 
to  our  friend  Joyce  Marriott,  of  this  city,  in 
whom  he  experienced  a  truly  religious  help- 
meet, almoll  to  the  end  of  forty-eight  years. 
Being  diffatisiied  with  following  mercantile 
bufinefs,  to  which  he  was  brought  up,  he 
declined  that  occupation  and  fought  other 
employments  for  the  maintenance  of  his 
family,  and  tl^cy  alio  engaging  more  of  his 
time  and  attention  than  he  found  confiilent 
with  his  peace  of  mind,  he  willingly  em- 
braced an  opportunity  which  offered  favour- 
able to  his  inclination  and  concern  for  the 
inftrucbon  of  youth  in  uieful  learning,  by 
fupplying  a  vacancy  which  happened  in  the 
year  1742  in  the  Engliih-fchool  under  the 
dire6tion  of  friends  iu  this  city ;  which  by 
their  encouragement  he  undertook,  and  con- 
tinued 


{    4^3    ) 

tinned  in  this  employment  through  the  re- 
maining part  of  his  Hfe,  except  a  I'mall  in- 
termiffion  of  lefs  than  two  years  which  he 
fpent  at  BurUngton,  where  he  fought  for 
greater  retirement,  and  more  leifure  to  at- 
tend to  his  religious  concern  for  the  general 
good  of  mankind:  But  did  not  find  his 
mind  at  the  eafe  he  defired,  until  he  return- 
ed to  refame  his  employment  of  fchool- 
keeping  in  this  city ;  where  he  experienced 
greater  opportunity  of  exteniive  ufefulnefs, 
in  which  he  was  alliduoufly  diligent,  flif- 
fering  a  fmall  portion  of  natural  reft  to  fa- 
tisfy  him ;  employing  his  pen  day  and  night 
in  the  compilation  of  books  and  other  writ- 
ings for  profitable  inftru6lion  on  religious 
fubje(5ls,  chiefly  extrad:ed  from  various  au- 
thors of  eminence,  particularly  to  inculcate 
the  peaceable  temper  and  doclrines  of  the 
gofpel,  in  oppoiition  to  the  fpirit  of  war  and 
bloodlhed,  as  alfo  to  expofe  the  flagrant  in- 
juftice  of  ilavery  and  the  abomination  of 
the  African-trade;  lamenting  the  forrowful 
defedlion  of  profeiTed  chriftians  in  thefe  re- 
fpeds,  which  deeply  grieved  his  tender 
heart.  The  diftribution  of  his  labours  have 
been  found  produdive  of  much  good,  to 
render  which  more  extenfive,  he  held  a  cor- 
refpondence  with  fuch  perfons  in  various 
parts  of  Europe  and  America,  as  united 
with  him  in  the  like  concern,  or  were  fo 
circumftanced  as  to  be  likely  to  promote  his 
pious  well-meant  views. 

On 


(    414    ) 

On.  die  late  ceflation  of  war  between 
Great-Britain  and  America,  apprehending 
the  revival  of  commerce  would  be  likely  to 
renew  the  ignominious  trade  to  Africa  for 
ilaves,  which  had  been  in  fome  meafure  ob- 
ftru6led,  among  other  endeavours  to  difuade 
from  this  cruel  traiBc,  and  having  enter- 
tained a  favourable  opinion  of  the  difpo- 
lition  and  ientiments  of  the  queen  of 
Great-Britain,  hoping  her  influence  might 
be  ufeful  to  difcourage  it,  he  was  religiouily 
induced  to  tranfmit  her  a  letter  in  1783  on 
the  fubjetft,  v/ith  a  preient  of  a  few  books 
of  a  pious  tendency,  which  he  committed 
to  the  care  of  two  of  his  friends  in  London, 
to  deliver  in  fuch  manner  as  they  fliould 
judge  to  be  moft  fuitable ;  this  fervice  being 
performed  foon  after  his  deceafe ;  one  of 
them,  by  a  letter  received  within  a  few  days 
pall,  inlorms  his  friend  here,  that  the  letter 
from  him  with  the  books,  had  been  deliver- 
ed to  the  queen,  who  on  her  reading  it,  ex- 
prefled  her  perfuafion,  '  That  the  writer 
'  was  truly  a  good  man,  and  that  ilie  kind- 
*  ly  accepted  his  preient,'  engaging  alio  to 
read  the  books. 

fA  copy  of  the  letter  is  hereunto  annexed.) 

He  was  employed  the  two  laft  years  of 
his  life,  as  teacher  in  the  fchool  for  the  in- 
ftrudlion  of  the  black-people  and  their  off- 
ipring,  eftabliihed  and  lupported  by  the 
voluntary  contributions  of  friends  in  this 
city,  which  by  the  indifpolition  of  the  form- 
er 


(    415    ) 

er  teacher,  had  Iain  fometime  vacant,  un- 
dertaking this  employment  from  an  appre- 
henfion  of  rehgious  duty,  and  an  earned 
foUcitude  that  they  might  be  better  qualifi- 
ed rightly  to  enjoy  the  freedom  to  which 
great  numbers  of  them  had  been  of  late  re- 
ftored  ;  for  which  purpofe  he  furrendered, 
with  the  confent  of  his  friends,  his  other 
fchool,  though  to  the  manifeft  diiadvantage 
of  his  v^orldly  intereft. 

His  confinement  by  his  iafl  illnefs  was  not 
of  long  continuance,  although  he  had  not 
been  in  perfe(fi:  health  for  more  than  a  year 
betore,  but  being  of  a  lively  dilpoiltion,  and 
remarkably  temperate  in  his  food,  which 
was  principally  vegetables,  he  attended  his 
fchool  and  other  aifairs  until  the  increafe  of 
his  diforder  difabled  him. 

He  endured  the  bodily  pains  he  fufJered 
with  much  patience,  and  v/as  favoured  with 
great  calmnefs  and  compofure,  being  (enfi- 
ble  of  his  approaching  diflolution,  receiv- 
ing his  numerous  vifitors  with  much  kind- 
nefs,  but  expreffed  little  to  any  of  them  con- 
cerning himfelf,  abiding  under  that  humble 
diffidence  which  was  confpicuous  in  his  con- 
duel  through  life,  conlidering  himlelf  but 
as  an  unprofitable  lervant.  A  Ihort  time 
before  his  confinement,  in  a  famihar  con- 
verlation,  he  took  occaiion  to  remark,  that 
had  he  attended  with  due  care  to  the  proi- 
pecls  of  duty  given  him  in  his  younger 
years,  he  thought  it  was  probable  he  might 

have 


(    4i6    ) 

have  been  made  inftruinental  for  more  ex- 
teniive  ufefulnefs  to  mankind. 

On  the  day  preceeding  his  death  he  took 
an  afTe^ting  farewell  of  his  wife,  who  was 
then  alfo  in  a  weak  innrm  flate,  v/lien  he 
reminded  her  of  the  affedlion  and  concord 
which  had  been  maintained  between  them 
throiuHi  the  courfe  of  their  union :  and 
Iiaving  fometime  before  reviewed  and  exe- 
cuted his  will,  in  which  he  had  devifed  his 
whole  eftate  to  her  during  her  natural  life, 
(excepting  his  fmail  library  and  other  books) 
and  on  her  decevSQ  to  certain  truftees,  the 
income  thereof  to  be  applied  to  the  ufe  and 
fupport  of  the  Negro-fchool.  He  had  in  the 
time  of  his  illnefs  added  a  codicil,  confirm- 
ing the  fame,  with  a  refcrvation  of  fome 
fmall  legacies  to  a  few  of  his  relations,  in- 
digent widows,  and  other  poor  perfons;  and 
having  copies  tranicribed,  with  inflrudlions 
for  the  dilh'ibution  of  the  books  he  had  on 
hand,  and  tor  binding  divers  tradls  on  re- 
ligious fubjecT:s  which  remained  in  ilieets, 
he  delivered  them  to  fome  of  his  executors 
for  their  government;  the  laft  of  which  he  put 
into  the  hands  of  one  of  them  not  more  than 
three  hours  before  he  departed,  which  v/as 
al-jout  fun-fet  on  the  3<^  day  of  the  fiith 
month  1784,  being  the  day  of  our  quarter- 
ly-meeting ;  and  on  the  ^th  day  of  the  fime 
lie  was  buried  in  our  grave-yard  in  this  ci- 
ty ;  on  which  folemn  occaiion,  a  greac 
concourfe  of  inhabitants  of  all  ranks  and 
profcilions  attended,  manifeiling  the  uni- 

veriiil 


(  417  ) 
verfal  efteem  in  which  he  was  held,  among 
whom  alfo  feveral  hundred  black- people  in 
like  manner  teflified  the  grateful  fenfe  they 
had  of  the  benetits  derived  to  them,  through 
his  ads  of  friendlhip  and  pious  labours  on 
their  behalf. 

Unwearied  in  his  endeavours  to  promote 
the  elTential  interetl  and  well-being  of  men, 
it  feemed  as  his  '  Meat  and  drink'  to  tread 
the  path  of  his  divine  mailer,  in  '  Going 
'  about,  doing  good.'  His  labours  for  the 
relief  of  the  afflidled  and  opprefTed,  particu- 
larly that  much  injured  people,  the  enilaved 
Africans  and  their  defcendants,  having  been 
unabated  and  fuccefsfui,  beyond  almoif  any 
advocate  they  have  had  in  his  time,  devo- 
ting no  fmall  portion  of  his  life  and  worldly 
fubftance,  in  vindication  of  their  violated 
rights  as  men,  and  their  inftruclion  in  things 
relating  to  their  temporal  and  everlalling 
intereft. 

By  an  innocent  unreferved  affability,  he 
gained  efteem  and  acceptance  among  ail 
dalles  of  men ;  that  love  of  his  neighbour 
which  was  confpicuous  throughout  his  com- 
munication, having  a  foftening  effedl,  even 
on  rough  untra61able  fpirits,  and  io  general- 
ly did  his  ufeful  life  and  inofFeniive  de- 
meanour engage  the  afi"eclions  and  regard 
of  all  ranks  of  the  people  among  vvliom  he 
dwelt,  that  at  his  deceafe,  they  feemed  to 
unite  in  one  common  fentiment  and  declara- 
tion, of  "  Blefled  are  the  dead  which  die 
"  in  the  Lord." 

Ee  He 


(    4i8    ) 

He  wanted  neither  abilities  nor  opportu- 
nity for  ufing  endeavours  in  the  acquire-* 
ment  of  wealth;  but  his  moderation  in  this 
as  in  other  refpedls,  was  uniformly  manifeO; 
to  all  obfervers;  being  with  little  more  than 
a  bare  competency,  rich  and  liberal  beyond 
mod  of  thole  who  are  encumbered  with  the 
fuperabundant  goods  of  this  life. 

This  is  a  fummary  narrative  of  the  ufeful 
life  of  our  valuable  friend,  and  as  we  mean 
not  to  extol  the  inftrument,  but  to  render 
to  the  Lord  our  creator  the  praife  of  his 
own  works ;  let  this  account  fuffice,  and  ex- 
cite in  each  mind  a  due  obfervance  of  that 
gofpel  monition,  **  Go  and  do  thou  like«» 
"  wife." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  his  letter  to 
the  queen,  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  tef- 
timony,  viz. 

To  Charlotte,  ^leen  of  Great-Britain, 

IMPRESSED  with  a  fenfe  of  religious 
duty,  and  encouraged  by  the  opinion  gene- 
rally entertained  of  thy  benevolent  difpofiti- 
on  to  fuccour  the  diftrefled,  I  take  the  liber- 
ty, very  re fped fully,  to  offer  to  thy  perufal 
fome  trads  which  I  believe  faithfully  de- 
fcribe  the  fuffering  condition  of  many  hun- 
dred thoufands  of  our  fellow  creatures  of 
the  African  race,  great  numbers  of  whom, 
rent  from  every  lender  connexion  in  life, 
are  annually  taken  from  their  native  land, 
to  endure  in  the  American  iflands  and  plan- 
tations. 


(    419    ) 

tations,  a  mod  rigorous  and  cruel  flavery, 
whereby  many,  very  naany  of  them,  are 
brought  to  a  melancholy  and  untimely  end. 
When  it  is  conhdered,  that  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Britain,  who  are  themfelvcs  fo  emi- 
nently bleffed  in  the  enjoyment  of  religious 
and  civil  liberty,  have  long  been,  and  yet 
are,  very  deeply  concerned  in  this  flagrant 
violation  of  the  common  rights  of  mankind, 
and  that  even  its  national  authority  is  ex- 
erted in  fupport  of  the  African  flave- trade, 
there  is  much  reafon  to  apprehend,  that  this 
has  been,  and  as  long  as  the  evil  exifts  will 
continue  to  be,  an  occahon  of  drawing  down 
the  divine  difpleafure  on  the  nation  and  its 
dependencies.  May  thefe  confiderations  in- 
duce thee  to  interpofe  thy  kind  endeavours 
on  behalf  of  this  greatly  opprefTed  people, 
whofe  abjecl  fituation  gives  them  an  additi- 
onal claim  to  the  pity  and  affiftance  of  the 
generous  mind ;  inaiinuch  as  they  are  alto- 
gether deprived  of  the  means  of  foliciting 
efFcd:ual  relief  for  themfelves.  That  fo  thou 
may  not  only  be  a  blefled  inllrument  in  the 
hand  of  him  "  By  whom  kings  reign,  and 
"  princes  decree  juftice,"  to  avert  the  awful 
judgments  by  which  the  empire  has  already 
been  fo  remarkably  fiiaken,  but  that  the 
bleffmgs  of  thoufhnds  ready  to  perifli,  may 
come  upon  thee,  at  a  time  when  the  fuperior 
advantages  attendant  on  thy  firuation  in 
this  world,  will  no  longer  be  of  any  avail 
CO  thy  coafolation  and  fupport. 

£  e  2  To 


(      420      ) 

To  the  tradls  on  the  fubje(fl  to  which  I 
have  thus  ventured  to  crave  thy  particular 
attention,  I  have  added  fome  others,  which 
at  different  times,  1  have  beUeved  it  my  du- 
ty to  pubUfli,  and  which  I  truft  will  afford 
thee  fome  fatisfadlion ;  their  defign  being 
for  the  furtherance  of  that  univerfal  peace 
and  good-will  amongft  men,  which  the 
gofpel  was  intended  to  introduce. 

I  hope  thou  will  kindly  excufe  the  free- 
dom ufed  on  this  occafion,  by  an  ancient 
man,  whofe  mind  for  more  than  forty  years 
paft,  has  been  much  feparated  from  the 
common  courfe  of  the  world,  and  long  pain- 
fully exercifed  in  the  confideration  of  the 
miferies  vinder  which  fo  large  a  part  of  man- 
kind equally  with  us  the  objecls  of  redeem- 
ing love,  are  fuffering  the  moft  unjuft  and 
grievous  opprelfion,  and  w^ho  fincerely  de- 
fires  the  temporal  and  eternal  felicity  of  the 
queen  and  her  royal  confort. 

ANTHONY  BENEZET. 

Philadelphia  the  25th  of  the  eighth  month  1783. 


A  T eft imony  from  Concord  Monthly- Meeting  in 
Pennfy  lvania,f:o7zc^r«/«^  Ph  ebeTrimble. 

TH  E  memory  of  the  jufl  is  pronounced 
*'  Bielled  ;"  which  we  wilh  to  be  verifi- 
ed in  the  following  memorial  of  this  our 

efteemed 


(      421       ) 

efteemed  friend,  by  affording  an  excitement 
to  furvivors  to  walk  in  her  fteps. 

The  days  of  her  youth  and  early  periods 
of  maturer  age,  were  attended  with  clofe 
trials,  ftripping  feafons,  and  deep  baptifms, 
through  all  which  the  Lord  her  gracious 
helper  {whole  tender  regard  is  ever  manifefl- 
ed  towards  his  humble  dependmg  children) 
preferved  her,  and  raifed  her  up  to  be  a 
veffel  in  his  houfe.  About  the  forty- fecond 
year  of  her  age,  being  in  1759,  ^^  fettled 
with  her  hufband  William  Trimble  within 
the  limits  of  this  meeting,  to  which  flie  was 
recommended  by  certificate  from  Goflien 
monthly-meeting,  as  an  approved  minifter, 
■which  characfler  fhe  juflly  retained  during 
her  flay  in  mutability. 

Her  public  appearances,  tho'  generally  in 
few  words,  were  truly  acceptable  and  edify- 
ing, being  clear,  pertinent,  comprehenfive 
and  favoury,  and  accompanied  with  deep 
humility  and  gravity  of  deportment.  She  was 
not  forward  in  the  exercife  of  her  gift,  but 
appeared  defirous  to  proceed  therein  under 
divine  direction.  At  two  different  times  flie 
"vifited  friends  in  Maryland  and  Virginia,  and 
once  in  North  and  South-Carolina,  in  which 
viiits  her  gofpel  labours  were  well  received. 

Her  common  deportment  was  inflru6live; 
evidencing  lowlinefs,  meeknefs  and  ielf- de- 
nial ;  that  it  may  juflly  be  faid,  her  '  Adorn- 
*  ing  was  that  of  a  meek  and  quiet  ipirit.' 
Her  converfation,  tho'  pleafant  and  cheer- 
ful, was  accompanied  with  that  fweetnefs 

'  and 


(      422      ) 

and  gravity  which  rendered  it  both  agreea- 
ble and  profitable.  Her  heart  and  houfe 
were  open  to  the  reception  and  entertain- 
ment of  her  friends ;  nor  was  her  benevo- 
lence and  humane  feelings  circumfcribed  to 
thofe  in  religious  communion  with  her;  but 
the  poor,  we  believe,  of  all  denominations 
in  the  neighbourhood  where  flie  lived,  par- 
took of  her  kindnefs,  and  by  her  removal 
have  lod  a  fympachizing  friend. 

During  the  time  of  her  laft  illnefs,  fhe 
Was  much  given  to  ftillnefs  and  retirednefs 
of  mind,  being  fometimes  uneafy  with 
friends  converhng  on  temporal  fubje6ls  in 
her  prefence.  Her  hope  and  faith  in  her 
dear  redeemer,  we  believe  did  not  fail  her 
in  this  her  laft  and  trying  period;  though 
{he  was  very  lowly  and  humble  in  her  own 
eftiiriation,  and  at  times  almofl  diffident  of 
her  being  worthy  ot  divine  regard  :  Thus  in 
her  cafe  may  be  applicably  revived,  the  an- 
cient interrogation,  **  If  the  righteous  icarce- 
*'  ly  be  faved,  where  fliall  the  ungodly  and 
*'*  fmner  appear  r"  May  this  awaken  profita- 
ble refledlions  in  the  minds  of  all,  eipecially 
the  carelefs  and  indifferent. 

On  the  14^/j  of  the  lixth  month  1784,  flie 
quietly  departed  this  life,  in  the  fixty-l'eventh 
year  of  her  age ;  and  on  the  i6tb  was  buri- 
ed at  Concord,  attended  by  many  friends, 
and  others,  at  v/hich  time  was  held  a  large 
and  fblemn  meeting.  And  we  doubt  not 
but  Ihe  is  gone  from  works  to  an  happy 
reward. 

A  Tejiimony 


{    423     ) 

A  Tejimony  from  the  Monthly-Meeting  of  Friends 
of  Philadelphia  for  the  Southern-Di(lri(5l, 
concerning  John  Reynell. 

THOUGH  none  of  us  were  acquainted 
with  him  whilft  he  refided  in  Great- 
Britain,  the  land  of  his  nativity,  yet  we  have 
caufe  to  believe,  from  what  himfelf  has  ex- 
prefTed,  that  he  was  early  vifited  with  the 
offers  of  divine  love,  and  by  wifely  clofing 
in  therewith,  he  came  to  experience  prefer- 
vation  from  many  temptations  and  allure- 
ments wherewith  the  minds  of  unwary 
youth  are  liable  to  be  enfnared. 

To  feveral  of  his  particular  friends,  he, 
at  times,  mentioned  fome  tranfacftions  pre- 
vious to  his  coming  to  this  country,  which 
containing  matter  of  encouragement  to 
faithfulnefs  in  others,  we  apprehend  may 
not  improperly  be  here  inferted,  viz. 

When  about  eighteen  years  of  age,  pur- 
pofing  to  embark  on  a  voyage  to  Jamaica, 
and  being  thoughtful  left  he  might  lay  down 
the  body  at  that  place,  as  had  been  the  cafe 
with  many,  he  received,  as  he  believed,  a 
divine  ailurance  that  his  life  lliould  be  pre- 
ferved.  During  his  refidence  there,  he  had 
a  fight  given  him,  of  a  grievous  calamity 
by  means  of  a  violent  hurricane,  to  befall 
the  inhabitants  of  the  I  (land  as  a  chadife- 
ment  for  their  iniquities,  which  came  to 
pafs  according  to  his  profpecfl.  Soon  after- 
wards an  occurrence  happening  which  oc- 

cafioned 


(  424  ) 
cafioned  his  being  called  upon  to  give  evi- 
dence in  a  court  of  judicature,  he  was  re- 
quired to  take  an  oath,  which  he  confcienti- 
ouily  refuting,  it  proved  for  a  time,  no 
fmall  trial  of  his  faithfulnefs  ;  and  although 
he  had  few  or  none  outwardly  to  look  to  for 
firength  and  encouragement  under  that  ex- 
ercife,  he  was  neverthelefs  favoured  to  ex- 
perience divine  fupport  to  be  near,  fo  that 
neither  threatning  nor  perfuafion  could  pre- 
vail on  him  to  deviate  from  our  chriilian 
teflimony  in  that  refpedl.  Very  few  of  the 
members  of  our  religious  fociety  then  refided 
on  that  Ifland,  yet  a  meeting-honfe  belong- 
ing to  friends  ftill  remaining  in  Kingflon, 
he  was  not  eafy  to  omit  attending  at  the  times 
appointed  for  meeting,  though  he  fometimes 
fat  alone  therein. 

About  the  twentieth  year  of  his  age  he 
came  to  Pennfylvania,  and  after  fettling  in 
this  city,  he  became  a  ferviceable  member 
among  us  both  in  a  religious  and  civil  capaci- 
ty, cheerfully  employing  his  talents  and 
much  of  his  time  to  beneficial  and  laudable 
purpofes,  and  v^ras  often  engaged  as  a  peace- 
maker in  reconciling  diflerences. 

As  an  elder,  he  approved  himfelf  in  faith- 
fulnefs and  uprightneis  in  the  dilcharge  of 
that  important  trufl,  being  well  qualified 
for  the  llation  he  filled.  A  good  exam.pie  in 
diligently  attending  our  religious  meetings 
as  long  as  ability  of  body  permitted,  and 
very  ufeful  in  the  exercife  of  the  difcipiine. 
A  man  of  integrity  and  found  judgment. 

Being 


(    425    ) 

Being  favoured  with  an  affluence  of  tem- 
poral riches,  he  endeavoured  to  fulfil  his 
duty  as  a  good  fteward,  by  liberally  com- 
municating of  his  fubftance  to  fuch  as  flood 
in  need.  Befides  his  repeated  a(5ls  of  liberali- 
ty throughout  the  courfe  of  his  life,  the 
many  charitable  legacies  he  bequeathed  by 
his  will,  are  further  proofs  of  his  benevo-^ 
lent  difpofition.  bo  that  we  believe  it  may 
juflly  be  faid,  he  was  one  that  "  Feared 
"  God  and  hated  covetoufneis." 

In  the  fpring  of  the  year  17B4,  his  natu- 
ral flrength  evidently  impairing,  he  beheld 
the  proipedl  of  his  approaching  diifolution 
with  the  ferenity  and  compolure  of  a  chrif- 
tian  ;  and  continued  gradually  declining  for 
feveral  months,  during  which  time  he  did 
not  impart  much  refpecting  his  own  fpiritual 
ftate,  being  defirous  to  be  more  in  fubftance 
than  fhew,  yet  found  it  needful  to  keep 
up  a  fteady  watch  until  his  warfare  fhould 
be  accomplilhed.  Two  friends  vifiting  him 
one  evening,  he  mentioned,  '  That  on  look- 

*  ing  over  his  paft  life,  he  was  fenfible  of 

*  many  deficiencies,'  yet  exprefled  '  A  hope 
'  that  all  would  be  well.'  On  the  evening 
previous  to  his  departure,   he  faid,     *   I  am 

*  ready.  I  feel  myfelf  happy,  and  furround- 
'  ed  with  divine  glory;'  and  expired  the  '^d 
of  the  ninth  month  1784,  aged  feventy-iix 
years.  His  corps  being  interr'd  the  day  fol- 
lowing in  friends  burying-ground  in  this 
city,  a  folemnity  covered  the  minds  of  ma- 
ny at  the  grave  which  was  truly  confolatory. 

A  Tsfihnony, 


(    4^6    ) 

A  Tejlimojiy  from  New- Garden  Monthly- Meet- 
ing m  Pennfylvania,  concenmig  William 
mid  Katharine  Jackson. 

THEY  were  born  in  Ireland,  came  into 
this  country  with  their  parents,  and 
fettled  within  the  hmits  of  New-Garden 
meeting.  About  the  year  1733  they  were 
joined  in  marriage,  proving  true  help-meets 
to  each  other ;  and  as  they  advanced  in  age, 
grew  in  grace,  and  a  qualification  for  fer- 
vice  in  the  church  in  the  prime  of  life,  be- 
ing of  a  meek  and  inoffenlive  difpofition, 
well  beloved  and  truly  uieful  members  in 
the  meeting  to  which  they  belonged;  in 
dealing  with  offenders,  endeavouring  to  con- 
vince and  reflore,  yet  careful  that  the  tefti- 
mony  of  truth  might  be  preferved  blamelefs, 
Notwithftanding  their  beginning  in  the 
world  v/as  (inall,  a  bleffmg  attending  their 
induflry  and  frugality,  they  got  a  comfort- 
able fiibiiilance  for  thcmfelves,  and  to  bring 
up  their  family ;  cheerfully  and  kindly  en- 
tertaining many  friends  in  thofe  early  days, 
and  having  a  near  fympathy  with  the  mef- 
fengers  and  fervants  of  the  Lord,  who  were 
tried  and  proved  with  humbling  baptizing 
feafons,  were  often  enabled  to  fpeak  a  word 
of  comfort  and  encouragement  to  fuch  ;  af- 
fedlionate  and  helpful  to  thofe  in  afBidlion, 
charitable  and  conliderate  to  the  poor,  many 
partaking  of  their  bounty,  they  were  nearly 
united  with  friends. 

Theii: 


'(    4=7    ) 

Their  care  over  their  family,  and  concern 
to  bring  up  their  children  in  plainnefs,  fim- 
plicicy,  iiidudry,  and  the  attendance  of  re- 
ligious meetings,  was  great.  Katharine  thro' 
weaknefs  and  infirmity,  particularly  in  oki 
age,  of'"en  endured  much  pain  in  riding  to 
meetings,  yet  when  there,  her  folid  innocenc 
counccaance  and  deportment  therein  were 
edifying.  When  near  her  end,  during  feveral 
weeks  painful  (icknefs,  ihe  retained  her  in- 
nocent fweetnefs  of  difpolition,  exprefTrng 
refignation  to  her  allotment ;  often  adviling 
her  children  and  thofe  about  her  to  live  in 
love.  Some  of  her  laft  expreffions  that  could 
be  underflood,  were,  '  There  is  reft  and 
'  peace  prepared  for  me,  where  I  Ihall  fing 
'  hallelujahs  to  the  higheft!'  And  after  a  lit- 
tle paufe,  laid,  '  Tiiy  fweetnefs,  O  Lord! 
*  is  great.'  She  quietly  departed  the  id  of 
tl^  fourth  month  1781,  in  the  lixty-eightli 
year  of  her  age,  and  on  the  5/^  was  interr'd 
in  friends  burying-ground  at  New-Garden. 

William  was  fupported  under  the  trial  of 
this  feparation,  with  becoming  refjgnacioii 
to  the  divine  v^riil ;  having  through  life  been 
an  example  of  puncfluality,  juftice,  temper- 
ance and  brotherly  kindnefs. 

On  account  of  bodily  infirmity,  which  at 
times  made  riding  hard  to  bear,  h^e  often 
went  on  foot,  when  above  feventy-five  years 
of  age,  upwards  of  four  miles  to  meeting; 
his  faithfulnefs  and  example  wherein,  the 
becoming  manner  of  his  licting  there,  evi- 
dencing a  w^atchful  folid   frame  of  mind, 

was 


(    4^8     ) 

•was  very  inftrucflive.  On  the  22d  of  the 
tenth  month  1785  (having  been  for  fome- 
time  much  confined  at  home)  he  was  taken 
ill,  and  tho'  afflid:ed  with  much  pain  of  bo- 
dy, his  underltanding  was  preferved  found, 
and  faculties  clear.  In  the  morning  of  the 
23^  to  two  of  his  children  he  laid,  *  There 

*  is  always  fomething  comes  to  take  us  out 

*  of  the  world,  and  if  we  are  but  prepared  it 

*  is  the  lefs  matter;'  one  of  them  exprelTmg  a 
hope  that  he  did  not  feel  any  thing  to  the 
contrary  ;  he  replied  '  No,  no,  I  don't,  I  have 

*  a  comfortable  hope  and  belief  that  all  will 

*  be  well/  Remarking  fome  little  time  af- 
ter, on  the  fettlement  of  his  affairs,  his  fmall 
beginning,  and  how  he  had  been  favoured 
through  life;  he  expreiTed  his  concern  and 
fympathy  for  divers  friends  in  ftraitened 
circumlfances,  and  that  he  had  been  much 
exercifed  at  times  on  account  of  many  in 
fociety  who  appeared  forward  and  zealous, 
but  thro'  negled:  or  mifmanagement  of  their 
outward  affairs,  had  miniflered  caufe  of  re- 
proach ;  obferving  that  it  was  wifdom  not 
to  appear  in  ihew  more  than  in  fubdance, 
either  in  our  religious  or  temporal  concerns. 
The  night  of  the  z^th  he  communicated  to 
fome  of  his  children  much  feafonable  and 
heart-tendering  advice;  recommending  a- 
bove  all  things  to  flrive  for  an  ev^rlalling 
inheritance,  whereinto  they  might  enter 
when  done  with  time;  concluding  in  thefe 
words,   '  Love  truth,  love  one  another,  love 

■  friends  and  all  good  people,  even  all  man- 

'  kindj^ 


(    4^9    ) 

*  kind,  and  be  careful  to  hurt  none,  no  not 
«  the  very  meaneft,  if  ye  can  do  them  no 

•  good,  ye  fhould  do  them  no  harm.'  Then 
mentioning  the  uncertainty  of  his  continu- 
ance here,  gave  diredions  that  his  coffin 
fliould  be  plain,  no  polilh  or  ftain  upon  it. 

Being  very  low  on  the  2.^th  and  apprehen- 
five  of  his  end  being  near,  he  fpoke  to  fome 
of  his  children,  defiring,  when  the  change 
came,  all  might  keep  Hill  and  quiet;  ad- 
ding, it  was  an  awful  time,  and  ought  to 
be  fo  to  thofe  about  him.  Some  hours  af- 
ter, faying,  it  would  be  a  relief  if  he  might 
be  favoured  in  his  palllige,  his  bodily  di- 
ftrefs  being  great;  '  But  I  mull  not  com- 
'  plain,  it  don't  become  us  to  complain,  but 
'  we  may  tell  each  other  of  our  afflicftions 
'  without  complaining  or  murmuring;  for 

*  the  Almighty  has  been  good  to  me  in  my 
'  afflidlion,  fo  that  we  have  great  caufe  to 
'  love  him.'  A  few  hours  after  faid,  '  What 

*  manner  of  perfons  ought  we  to  be,  to  bear 
'  every  difpenfation   of  afflidion   and  trial 

*  that  comes  vipon  us,  as  we  ought  to  do  ? 
Saying  at  another  time,  *  Many  tedious  days 

*  and  wearifome  nights  had  been  his  lot 
'  thefe  eighteen  months  pad.'  His  fon  ex- 
preffing  his  belief  that  reft  would  be  very 
acceptable,  he  replied,  '  Yes,  an  everlafting 
'  rell.'  On  the  i  ^th  of  the  eleventh  month 
he  uttered  the  following  fupplication,  *  O 
'  Lord  God  Almighty !  if  it  be  thy  blelTed 

*  will,  mitigate  my  ailli(5lion,  and  relieve 
'  me  in  my  diflrefs  ;  not  my  will  but  thine 

*  be 


{    43<^    ) 
be  done.'     And  a  little  after  fald,    '  The 
appointed  time  will  come,  and  it  mufi:  be 
waited  for,  he  knows  beft  the  right  time ; 
his  wifdom  is  very  great,  and  care  and 
providence  over  his  poor  creatures  very 
great  indeed.'     To   one  of  his   children, 
aking  leave  of  him,  he  faid,  in  fubftance, 
There  is   great   corruption  in  the  vv^orld 
amongfl  mankind,  and  need  there  is  of 
care  in  bringing  up  children,  and  young 
people,    to  reftrain  them;    for  many  are 
running  as  the  wild  afles  upon  the  moun- 
tains.'    A  few  days  before  he  departed  he 
faid,  '  It  is  a  comfort  to  me  to  have  my 
children  Vv^ith'me,  and  it  may  be  a  fatis- 
faclion  to  them  to  fee  me  go ;  I  feel  eafy 
in  mind  on  looking  backward  and  for- 
ward, I  fee  nothing  in  my  way,  the  Lord 
has  been  good  to  us,  and  efpecially  to  me 
in  my  afflicflion.'    Much  more  he  expreiT- 
ed  at  fundry  times,  continuing  fenfible,  but 
gradually  weakening,  he  departed  this  life, 
on  the  24^/j  of  the  eleventh  month  1785,  in 
the  eighty- firfl  year  of  his  age,  having  been 
an  eider  upwards  of  40  years,  and  having 
ruled  well  was  vv^orthy  of  double  honour, 
his  memory  being  of  good  favour.     On  the 
27//^  he   was   interr'd  in  friends  burying- 
ground  at  Nev^r-Garden;  attended  by  a  large 
number  of  people,  vv'ith  v>-hora  a  filid  meet- 
ing was  held. 


>bojj:e 


(    431     ) 

Some  exprejfions  0/ Joseph  Husband,  before 
and  in  his  lafl  ficknefs^  read  mid  approved  in 
the  Monthly -Meeting  of  Friends  at  Deer- 
Creek  in  Maryland,  and  direirted  to  be  for-' 
nvarded  to  the  Weftern  ^arterly- Meeting, 

A  CONSIDERABLE  time  before  his  de- 
ceafe,  when  in  health,  he  fometimes 
mentioned  to  his  friends,  and  frequently  to 
his  wife,  his  profpecfl  that  his  time  would 
not  be  long  here,  and  in  or  near  his  lad 
ficknefs,  told  her  that  he  felt  eafy,  and  be- 
lieved he  fliould  foon  be  taken  from  her. 
Some  days  before  his  death  he  appeared  ex- 
ceeding low  in  mind  attended  with  many 
doubts  refpecfling  his  pad  and  then  fitu- 
ation,  remaining  feveral  days  in  great  di~ 
ftrefs ;  after  which  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to 
manifeft  himfelf  to  him  in  fo  extraordinary 
a  manner,  that  his  wife  perceiving  a  change, 
afked  him  how  he  was ;  he  anfwered  I  am 
better  than  I  expe(fled  ever  to  be,  my  mind 
is  now  relieved,  and,  as  a  morning  without 
clouds,  all  appears  fufliine,  mentioning  to 
her  and  a  friend  prefent,  many  trials  and 
temptations  he  had  experienced ;  at  another 
time  faying,  deep  has  been  the  baptifm  I 
have  palfed  through,  my  foul  hath  been 
dipt  into  a  feeling  fenfe  of  the  (late  of  un- 
believers, yea,  I  have  pafTed  through  the 
valley  of  the  fhadow  of  death,  which  I  am 
now  convinced  we  muft  do  before  we  can 
experience  a  glorious  refurred:ion  unto  eter- 
nal 


(  432  ) 
nal  life.  And  frequently  faid,  my  dear  I 
feel  thy  fympathy  and  love,  and  ah!  hoW 
precious  do  I  feel  the  unity  of  the  church; 
often  mentioning  divers  of  his  near  friends, 
and  continuing  in  a  fweet  frame  of  mind, 
not  complaining  of  pain  (tho'  the  nature  of 
his  difeale  muft  have  occafioned  much)  his 
countenance  remaining  ferene  and  pleafant 
to  the  kit ;  a  few  minutes  before  his  death 
he  fpoke  to  this  purpofe,  *  Give  my  dear 
love  to  friends,  and  tell  them  I  die  in  the 
faith  which  I  lived  in,  and  firmly  believe 
I  fliall  foon  enter  into  the  manfions  of  eter- 
nal happinefs  prepared  for  the  true  believ- 
ers in  Chrift;  and  altho'  I  never  did  mvich 
for  the  caufe  and  teftimony  of  truth,  I 
ftiall  be  with  the  believers, '  and  that  is 
enough ;'  foon  after  which  he  quietly  de- 
parted this  life,  on  the  bth  day  of  the  fifth 
month  1786,  about  the  fiftieth  year  of  his 
age ;  being  the  next  day  interr'd  in  friends 
burying-ground  at  Deer-Creek. 

To  nvhich  the  ^arterly- Meeting  held  at 
London- Grove,  the  2.1ft  of  the  eighth  month 
iy86,  add. 

THE  foregoing  account  concerning  our 
friend  Jofeph  Hufband,  being  communicat- 
ed to  us,  was  read  here  and  approved;  and 
from  the  knowledge  and  fenfe  many  of  us 
had  of  him  for  a  number  of  years,  this 
meeting  is  free  to  add,  that  it  appears  he 
was  born  in  Cecil  county,  Maryland,  came 
into  religious  memberihip  with  friends  after 

he 


(  433  ) 
he  arrived  to  man's  eftate,  having  been  con- 
vinced of  the  principle  of  truth  while  young, 
more  by  inw^ard  conviction  than  inftrumental 
means,  as  he  was  educated  in  the  way  of  the 
epifcopal  church  (fo  called)  and  even  when 
a  lad,  had  to  pafs  through  many  trials  under 
his  father,  for  declining  that  way  of  v/or- 
ihip;  and  (as  he  related  to  his  wife  and 
others)  he  frequently  felt  great  tendernefs 
towards  the  negro  children  with  whom  he 
was  brought  up,  from  the  profpecfl  of  their 
flate  of  llavery,  which  much  afFecfled  him 
at  times  before  he  was  ten  years  of  age. 
He  conducfled  with  reputation  and  ftability 
as  a  ufeful  friend,  manifefting  a  lively  un- 
iliaken  concern  for  the  maintenance  of  our 
difcipline,  the  furtherance  of  our  teflimony 
againll  an  hireling-miniftry,  and  flave-hold- 
ing,  as  well  as  for  the  docflrine  of  peace, 
efpecially  thro'  the  difficulties  which  occur- 
red in  the  late  times  of  public  requifitions 
for  the  purpofes  of  war ;  Ihewing  chriflian 
fortitude,  humility  and  reiignation  under 
fufFerings  and  clofe  trials  of  different  kinds 
which  fell  to  his  lot.  Sometime  before  his 
deceafe  he  appeared  in  public  teftimony,  in 
which  he  was  not  forward,  but  moftly  brief, 
pertinent  and  acceptable  to  friends ;  being 
remarkably  open  to  receive  counfel  as  well 
as  to  give ;  we  find  the  remembrance  of  his 
difpofition  and  fervice  is  fatisfa(5lory,  both 
among  the  members  of  the  monthly-meet- 
ing he  belonged  to,  and  this  meeting. 


Ff 


Ab/iracl 


(    434    ) 

AhflraB  from  the  Tejltmony  o/"  Concord  Months 

ly-  Meeting  as  read  and  approved  by  Cheiter 

^larterfy. Meeting,  held  at  Concord  the  14th 

oj  the  fifth  month  17B7,  concerning  our  dear 

Jriend Edith  Sharples,  deceajed. 

SH  E  was  born  the  i  '^th  day  of  the  fifth 
month  1743;  her  parents  Nathan  and 
Rachel  Yarnall,  members  of  Middletown 
particular  meeting,  having  been  careful  to 
educate  her  in  plainnefs  and  a  diligent  at- 
tendance of  religious  meetings,  flie  retain- 
ing a  thankful  remembrance  of  their  care 
over  her,  has  been  often  heard  to  blefs  the 
Lord  on  their  account,  as  by  their  good 
counfel  and  wholefome  reftraint,  they  con- 
tributed to  her  prefervation  out  of  the  vain 
falhions  and  cufloms  of  the  world. 

By  her  own  account,  her  mind  was  early 
in  life  accompanied  with  earneft  defires  af- 
ter the  knowledge  of  truth,  and  that  fhe 
might  never  do  any  thing  to  offend  him 
whom  Ihe  often  found  near  to  her  comfort, 
or  that  might  bring  a  reproach  on  the  pro- 
feffion  ihe  made ;  but  giving  way  to  her  na- 
tural vivacity,  Ihe  frequently  indulged  her- 
felf  in  what  with  fome  is  accounted  inno- 
cent paftime,  for  which  flie  was  often  brought 
under  condemnation ;  and  about  the  twen- 
ty-fourth year  of  her  age  was  plunged  into 
great  diftrefs,  being  clofely  befet  with  the 
wiles  of  an  unwearied  adverfary;  but  the 
Lord,  who  will  not  fuffer  his  people  to  be 

tempted 


{    435    ) 

tempted  beyond  what  they  thro'  his  grace 
are  enabled  to  bear,  made  way  for  her  efcape 
from  under  the  power  of  temptation,  for 
which  file  had,  in  that  day,  as  on  the  banks 
of  deliverance,  to  fing  to  the  prail'e  of  his 
holy  name ;  faying,  *  It  is  in  my  heart  to 
praife  thee  O  my  deliverer!  for  thy  ma- 
nifold kindnelTes  unto  me  a  poor  un- 
worthy worm;  for  altho',  for  difobedi- 
ence,  thou  haft  feen  meet  to  hide  thy 
face  for  a  moment;  yet  my  foul  is  hum- 
bly bowed  before  thee,  rendering  unto 
thee  the  praife  of  all  thy  works ;  having 
witneffed  the  fulfilling  of  thy  promife. 
But  with  everlafting  kindnefs  will  1  have 
mercy  on  thee  faith  the  Lord  thy  re- 
deemer." 

In  the  twenty-fixth  year  of  her  age  ihe 
was  married  to  Jofhua  S'larples,  fettled 
within  the  compafs  of  New-Garden  month- 
ly-meeting, of  which  fhe  became  a  ufeful 
member,  being  qualified  for  fervice  in  the 
church,  whereto  flie  attended  with  much 
fatisfadlion  to  friends,  filling  the  ftations  ot 
overfeer  and  elder  with  diffidence  under  a 
fenfe  of  the  weight  thereof. 

In  the  thirty- firft  year  of  her  age  flie  ap- 
peared in  the  miniftry,  and  being  faithful, 
grew  in  her  gift,  was  found  in  do(5lrine, 
accompanied  with  a  degree  of  heart- 
tendering  authority  to  the  carelefs  and 
indolent,  yet  edifying  and  confolatory  to 
the  refrefhment  of  the  mourners  in  Zion. 

In 


(    4S6    ) 

In  her  approaches  to  the  throne  of  grace  in 
public  iiipplication,  fhe  was  awfully  attend- 
ed with  deep  Iblemnity. 

She  was  a  great  lover  of  the  fcriptures, 
and  well  qualified  to  apply  them  to  edifica- 
tion and  infl:ru(5lion,  being  concerned  to 
invite  friends  and  others  to  a  more  frequent 
reading  of  them.  The  docftrines  of  the 
principle  of  truth  as  held  by  friends  ihe  was 
ikiitul  in  e;xplaining,  and  was  often  exercifed, 
therein  in  mixed  auditories,  endeavouring 
to  lead  out  of  forms  to  the  fubftance  of  true 
religion.  Much  of  her  time  was  thus  em- 
ployed in  the  public  fervice  of  her  Lord  and 
mailer,  cheerfully  giving  up  to  his  holy  re- 
quirings,  but  carefully  concerned  to  wait 
for  his  putting  forth. 

Having  pecuUar  fervice  in  vifiting  fami- 
lies, flie  was  often  ufefully  engaged  there- 
in; and  about  the  year  1778  with  divers 
other  friends  under  appointment  from  the 
Wcflern  quarterly-meeting,  in  a  general  vi- 
fit  to  all  the  meetings  belonging  thereto,  fhe 
was  exercifed  under  a  deep  concern  to  labour 
that  a  reformation  in  life  and  manners  might 
be  really  effected  amongft  the  profefTors  of 
truth.  Soon  after,  being  removed  within 
the  compafs  of  our  meeting,  flie  engaged  in 
a  like  vifit  to  the  meetings  in  our  quarter, 
wherein,  as  in  other  of  her  gofpel  labours, 
fhe  inanifefted  an  ardent  defire  for  the  pro- 
motion of  the  caufe  of  truth,  and  that  flie 
might  be  favoured  to  do  her  days  work  in 
the  day-time.  And  fince,  with  the  concur- 
rence 


(  437  ) 
rence  of  friends,  vifited  mofl  of  the  meet- 
ings in  the  Southern  governments ;  be- 
ing diligent  in  the  improvement  of  her 
time  for  the  fervice  of  truth,  often  draw^n 
into  family  vifits,  and  to  the  afHi(5led  either 
in  body  or  mind,  who  experienced  the  con- 
foling  fympathy  of  her  tender  fpirit,  in 
which  and  other  gofpel  labours  flie  reaped 
the  reward  of  peace  and  comfort  to  her  own 
mind.  When  at  home  Ihe  was  not  only  di- 
ligent in  attending  meetings  herfelf,  but 
careful  to  encourage  and  affifl  her  family  in 
their  duty  therein ;  in  herfelf  an  example  of 
plainnefs,  and  mindful  to  promote  a  like 
Simplicity  in  thole  under  her  direction,  ma- 
nifefting  much  concern  that  her  children 
might  be  brought  up  in  the  truth,  frequent- 
ly retiring  with  them  for  their  improvement, 
her  faithfulnefs  againft  wrong  things  in 
them  being  confiftent  with  the  tendernefs  of 
an  affedtionate  mother.  '  Great  was  her  ex- 
ercife  for  the  rifing  generation,  that  their 
hearts  might  be  early  dedicated  to  the  Lord, 
and  they  thereby  preferved  in  a  condudl 
confiftent  with  our  holy  profellion.  Open 
and  hofpitable  in  her  houfe,  a  true  help- 
meet and  affedlionate  wife. 

Shortly  after  her  return  from  a  vifit  to 
friends  on  the  Eaftern-Shore  of  Maryland, 
in  the  fixth  month  1786,  ihe  was  brought 
very  low  thro'  bodily  indifpofition,  but  fa- 
voured with  inward  confolation  and  true 
peace,  exprefTmg  that  fhe  felt  her  mind 
much  weaned  from  the  things  of  this  world, 

and 


(    438    ) 

and  if  it  fliould  pleafe  the  Lord  to  call  her 
hence  fhe  found  nothing  in  her  way.  On 
a  jfiril-day  afternoon,  divers  friends  being 
prefent,  after  a  time  of  filence,  flie  fpoke  to 
this  effedl,  *  I  am  glad  of  this  opportunity  ; 
as  1  lay  on  the  bed  this  morning,  my  mind 
was  carried  away  to  meeting  with  friends, 
and  I  thought  if  I  had  wings  I  could  have 
Jiown  thither  for  the  great  love  I  feel  for 
the  members  of  that  meeting.  Indeed  we 
have  had  many  favoured  opportunities  to- 
gether ;  and  you  fee  1  am  in  a  poor  weak 
way,  and  whether  I  fhall  get  out  again  I 
have  not  feen,  but  am  refigned,  and  feel 
the  reward  of  peace ;  but  if  fome  friends 
of  that  meeting  are  not  more  faithful  to 
the  many  gracious  vilicacions  which  have 
been  in  mercy  to  thea?  extended,  weak- 
nefs  will  overtake  them,  and  they  be  in 
danger  ot  mifhag  the  anfwer  of  well  done.' 
She  recovered  and  afterwards  had  many 
heart-tendering  opportunities  with  friends 
there,  and  others  not  in  memberfhip  with 
us,  toward  whom  Ihe  was  remarkably  led 
in  teftimony,  in  order  that  they  might  be 
gathered  to  the  fold  of  reft. 

About  two  weeks  before  her  deceafe  fhe 
attended  feveral  of  the  neighbouring  meet- 
ings, exprefling  her  fatisfaclion  therewith; 
and  on  the  firtl-day  before  her  departure, 
was  at  New-Garden  meeting  and  had  ac- 
ceptable lervice,  having  alfo  a  favoured  op- 
portunity the  fame  evening  in  a  friends  fa- 
mily where  fhe  lodged  on  her  return  home, 

at 


(    439    ) 

at  which  time  fhe  was  concerned  to  revive 
theie  exprefTions  of  the  Pfalmift,  **  Lord 
"  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  mea- 
*'  fure  of  my  days,  what  it  is,  that  I  may 
*'  know  how  frail  I  am:  Behold  thou  haft 
*'  made  my  days  as  an  hands  breadth,  and 
*'  mine  age  is  as  nothing  before  thee." 
Which  fhe  enlarged  on  to  edification.  Next 
day  Ihe  got  home  fomewhat  indifpofed,  but 
held  up  till  the  day  following  in  the  evening 
of  the  i6th  of  the  firft  month  1787,  when 
fhe  was  confined  to  her  bed,  and  lay  in  a 
fenfible  refigned  frame  of  mind,  being,  as 
we  believe,  well  prepared  for  her  awful 
change,  appearing  to  have  nothing  to  do 
but  to  die.  Some  of  the  laft  words  fhe  was 
heard  to  fay  were,  *  I  believe  I  am  going,' 
and  in  about  fifteen  minutes  after,  quietly 
breathed  her  laft  on  the  18//?,  and  on  the 
10th  was  interr'd  at  Birmingham,  aged 
forty-three  years  and  feven  months,  a  mini- 
fter  upwards  of  12  years. 


FINIS, 


j')'J 


